Preservation of the presumption of innocence and personal dignity

A core tenet embedded within the directive for standardized media briefing is the inviolable presumption of innocence, which operates as a foundational bulwark of criminal jurisprudence until guilt is proved beyond reasonable doubt. Premature public parading of suspects, the disclosure of purported confessions made in police custody, and the unilateral release of allegations as established facts severely erode the human dignity and reputation of individuals under investigation. The Police Manual for Media Briefing acts as an institutional restraint against such administrative excesses, ensuring that law enforcement personnel do not undermine an accused person's standing or prejudice their defense. Regulating media interactions reinforces the principle that personal liberty and privacy cannot be casually forfeited to pander to media appetite or transient public curiosity. (Peoples Union for Civil Liberties & Anr. Vs The State of Maharashtra & Ors. | 2026 INSC 45)