After the stir created by the Nirbhaya rape documentary, the Delhi High Court on Thursday said that media trials tend to influence judges by subconsciously creating pressure.
The bench of judges Sanjeev Sachdeva and BD Ahmed said that though it's prima facie not opposed to airing of the documentary, the film should ideally be released after the Supreme Court has reached a verdict on the appeals of the convicts in the matter, reports The Financial Express.
"Media trials do tend to influence judges. Subconsciously a pressure is created and it does have an effect on the sentencing of the accused/convict," the apex court said in support of its observation.
The bench felt that the documentary could "interfere with the justice system". It however refused to pass any interim orders saying it has to be decided by an appropriate bench of Chief Justice.
"We are prima facie not opposed to airing of the documentary, but only after the Supreme Court decides the appeals."
"Had it been originally placed before us, we would have asked you to place material before us on why ban be lifted. But it has come here from the roster bench of Chief Justice, so we will not pass any interim orders. Let the roster bench decide it," the Delhi High Court said.
