Media Trials and Digital Evidence: A seminar on the Indian Evidence Act 2023 and media-related topics was organized online by the Department of Media Studies at Mahatma Gandhi Central University.

The program was presided over by the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, while Prof. Anjani Kumar Jha, Head of the Department of Media Studies, chaired the event.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Prashant Kumar Srivastava, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Legal Studies, SRM University Lucknow, accompanied by Dr. Mahendra Kumar, Associate Professor, who graced the occasion.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Saket Raman, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of the Department of Media Studies, initiated discussions on topics such as media trials and digital evidence. He highlighted how the Evidence Act has brought a new dimension to media trials.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mahendra Kumar described the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, emphasizing its role in bringing positivity to society and its significant contribution to upholding laws.

He stressed the importance of media’s independence and impartiality for democracy to thrive. Dr. Kumar also mentioned the inclusion of electronic and digital evidence in the Indian Evidence Act, acknowledging the evolving dimensions of media and its impact on legal proceedings.

Digital evidence provide the basis for verifying information

In his address, Dr. Prashant Kumar Srivastava asserted that media trials and digital evidence hold paramount importance in any case, as they provide the basis for verifying information.

He discussed the provisions related to electronic and digital evidence in the Indian Evidence Act, highlighting the distinctions between the Evidence Act of 1872 and the Indian Evidence Act.

During the inaugural speech, Dr. Anjani Kumar Jha, Department Head, emphasized the need for journalists to have comprehensive knowledge of the law.

He underscored the importance of media law education for journalism students and addressed the relevance of the Indian Evidence Act and digital fraud.

Organizing committee

The organizing committee included Dr. Paramatma Kumar Mishra, Dr. Sunil Deepak Ghodake, and Dr. Uma Yadav.

Prachi Srivastava led the proceedings, with guest introductions by Ravishankar Kumar Mishra and Anjali Chaudhary, while Arya expressed gratitude.

Throughout the program, students from various departments of the university, along with researchers and academic and non-academic officials, actively participated, fulfilling significant roles in the event’s success.

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