Delhi – In April 1999, Jessica Lal, a model, was shot dead at a party in Delhi after she refused to serve a drink to a man named Manu Sharma, the son of a powerful politician. Despite several eyewitnesses, the accused was acquitted in 2006 due to lack of evidence, weak investigation, and political influence.
What Happened Next:
The nation was shocked. People felt the justice system had failed. But the media didn’t stay silent.
Many Media Houses led a massive campaign, investigating the loopholes in the case.
Several media houses ran the story continuously, interviewed witnesses, and revealed how key evidence was ignored or tampered with.
The public joined through SMS campaigns, protests, and candlelight marches — all amplified by the media.Due to media pressure and public outrage, the case was reopened. In 2006, the Delhi High Court convicted Manu Sharma and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
It showed that media can become the voice of the people when institutions fail.
It helped build public trust in the power of journalism.
It led to reforms in how the justice system handles high-profile cases.
