Jessica & Zahira

The recent judgement on Zahira Sheikh was quite thought provoking but could not enthuse the media for a more an in –depth investigation or debates as it happens today on even minor /fringe issues.
Almost parallely is the case of Jessica Lal being re-examined by media, which is nothing short of a trial on camera.
In both cases, the common factor is the issue of hostile witnesses. Look at them a little closely and one realizes that the 2 most basic human instincts have driven the witnesses – Fear & Greed!
Media’s role (read NDTV) can be complimented in the Jessica case but one should be wary of the media taking over the courts’ domain.
With mushrooming of channels and the intense competition for TRPs , the TV media is ready to go to fall to any depths. In such a scenario, a trend of case discussion and judgemental sound bytes may lead to bias from the courts. Unlike like pressure is put on crickets to perform, pressure on courts to give verdicts based on public opinion may not be the right thing. The age-old adage of –‘innocent till proven guilty ‘ has stood the test of time. In boutique cases like Jessica’s, the media may feel it has achieved a lot but in many other cases it will do well not to takeover the jobs of judges.
For no amount of law nor media is capable of countering the "Fear & Greed" that drive lies and crime. Media should do what it suits it best – keep the powers that be alert and push them to do their jobs well – not take over their jobs!