No 'kingpin' label before trial: HC

The Patna HC has held that while the media is free to report factual developments in criminal cases, it must refrain from calling an accused a “mastermind”, “scamster”, “kingpin” or using other labels that imply guilt before a trial.

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In an order dated June 24, Justice Ansul said news outlets cannot conduct a media trial that undermines an individual's right to a fair trial. The Court observed that a person's reputation cannot be prejudiced before a court determines whether the accused is guilty, Bar & Bench reports.

“Maligning the image of a person who is yet to be held guilty may come within the ambit of defamatory act, immoral act or even an indecent act. This is pre-judging the issue when the matter is sub-judice,” the Court observed.

The order was passed while hearing a petition filed by Rishu Shree seeking the quashing of an FIR registered by the Bihar Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) in connection with an alleged tender scam. Shree contended that although FIR was filed on April 30, 2025, raids at his residence were conducted only on May 27, 2026, when he was arrested.