03/09/2025
βοΈ Lessons from Gauri Lankeshβs Murder Trial
π° 8 years later, justice still waits
Trial began 5 years after her murder (2022).
Out of 532 witnesses, only 193 examined.
Hearings: just 3β5 days a month.
17 of 18 accused are on bail; 1 still absconding.
π The Larger Pattern
Since 1992 β 61+ journalists killed in India.
2014β2024 β 19 murders unsolved.
India ranks 13th on CPJβs Global Impunity Index (2024).
Cases of Shujaat Bukhari, Rajdev Ranjan, Shivani Bhatnagar, Parag Das β all dragged for years, many accused acquitted.
π Why it Matters
Murder of journalists is not just homicide.
It is a direct assault on Article 19(1)(a) β Freedom of Speech & Expression.
Each killing silences stories, threatens democracy.
β οΈ Whatβs Missing?
Weak investigations.
Hostile/intimidated witnesses.
Endless adjournments.
Bureaucratic and judicial delays.
β
The Way Forward
Fast-track courts for journalist murders (as recommended by PCI in 2016).
Strong witness protection.
Accountability in investigation.
Honour Indiaβs international obligations (ICCPR, UN Plan of Action).
π Justice delayed here = Democracy denied.