SANGUEM: Justice Prakash D Naik, while addressing students at G R Kare Law College here on Saturday, emphasised the need for judges to rely solely on the facts presented in court and avoid being influenced by media reports. which often conduct parallel trials in the media.
During the second lecture in the ‘GRK – Judiciary Talks’ series, Justice Naik expressed concern that the Indian media is excessively involved in trial matters, sometimes even interviewing witnesses before they testify in court.
He stressed the importance of criminal lawyers understanding the intricate aspects of crime, considering various factors such as poverty, peer pressure, psychological issues, or economic reasons that can lead to criminal behaviour.
Justice Naik also raised the issue of prolonged incarceration violating an accused person’s fundamental right to life. He suggested that when the legal system fails to ensure a speedy trial, bail applications should be considered favourably. He cited a case where an accused spent 12 years in prison without a verdict. While cautioning students against expecting quick financial gains in the legal profession, he emphasised the paramount importance of legal ethics and called on advocates to avoid aggressive behaviour.
The programme began with a welcome address by Adv Pritam Morais, an introduction of the guest speaker by Adv Prasad Naik, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Officiating Principal Dr Maria Goretti Simoes e Morais. Akanksha Gehlaut served as the MC for the programme.
