New Delhi:A Delhi Court on Tuesday took cognizance of the offences of sedition, promotion of enmity between groups and abetment in a charge sheet filed against 18 accused, including former JNU student Umar Khalid, in the Delhi riots conspiracy case.
Besides this, the judge said that it is grossly unfair and unjustified that the reporting of exact contents of the charge-sheet is reported in the media before cognizance is taken.
During the proceedings, a question of media trial was raised. Khalid told the court that certain media houses were indulging in 'media trial' against him and the other accused.
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To this, the judge said, "Media is free to cover the stories but they must also be conscious of remaining careful and objective in their approach. It is the fundamental right of every person accused of any offence, to be provided with the opportunity to defend himself."
The Additional Sessions Judge said that there is a world of difference between an accused and a convict. "...there should, at least, always be a disclaimer when reporting, whether it is the version of the police or prosecution or the accused instead of presenting as if it is the order of the Court."