We in India hang the person first and then try him. It is widely recognized that role of media in a democratic society is to provide transparency and accountability, and to increase the public alertness and further to facilitate a forum for public discussion. Nowadays media is performing a pro-active role in every field including the judicial process but the larger analysis reveals that by and large the role of media is not positive. The paper would discuss the tortious interference of the media trial in the investigation process and well as during trials. It would explore the need for a balanced approach so that domain of the media, police and judiciary should not cross each other, rather supplement each other. The paper would also explore the influence of news media on criminal justice policy and strengthen support for punitive public policies.

Keywords: Media trial; Judiciary; Criminal justice policy; Judicial process; Public Policies; Tortious interference; Balanced approach.