The Delhi High Court on Friday made it clear that the media cannot be stopped from reporting on the Dwarka SUV crash case in which a 23-year-old man was killed.
At the same time, the Court firmly protected the identity of the 17-year-old minor accused, stating that his name and personal details must not be made public.
The order was passed by Justice Saurabh Banerjee while hearing a petition filed by the minor’s father.
What the Father Told the Court
The father approached the Court claiming that several media houses and online platforms had revealed his son’s identity and were repeatedly broadcasting details about the family.
He submitted that reporters were constantly contacting them and that the family was receiving abusive calls, threats and social media backlash.
Through his counsel, the father argued that such coverage was affecting the minor’s mental health and education.
He also said that intense media reporting could impact the child’s right to a fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Court Refuses Blanket Ban on Media
The High Court, however, was not inclined to pass a complete ban on media reporting.
The Bench observed that freedom of the press is an important constitutional value and cannot be curbed without clear legal grounds.
The Court questioned how a total gag order could be granted and pointed out that no law allows courts to completely silence media coverage of an incident of public importance.
Identity of Minor Must Be Protected
While declining to stop reportage, the Court relied on Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act 2015. This provision clearly prohibits disclosure of the identity of a child in conflict with law.
The Court directed that the minor’s name, photograph and any identifying information must not be published or circulated.
Notice has been issued to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Press Council of India and the Press Trust of India.
These authorities and entities under them have also been restrained from disclosing any record relating to the minor, including for the purpose of issuing any character certificate in connection with the FIR, until the next hearing.
About the Dwarka SUV Crash
The case relates to an accident that took place on the night of February 3 in Dwarka, Delhi.
The 17-year-old was allegedly driving an SUV at high speed when it hit a motorcycle. The 23-year-old rider died as a result of the collision.
The matter will now be heard again on July 9.
Case Details
- Case Title: Narender Kumar Singh vs Union of India and Others
- Court: Delhi High Court
- Bench: Justice Saurabh Banerjee
- Petitioner: Father of the minor accused
- Respondents: Union of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Press Council of India, Press Trust of India and others
- Next Date of Hearing: July 9
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