Author: Pihu Basotra, a student at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies
ABSTRACT:
The ubiquitous presence of social media has ushered in an era where its influence extends beyond personal interactions, permeating into the intricate realms of legal decision-making. This article undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the symbiotic relationship between social media and the Indian legal landscape. By delving into pertinent cases, it unravels the challenges posed by social media in terms of evidentiary considerations, privacy implications, impacts on jury impartiality, and the evolving role of legal professionals. As we analyse both global and Indian cases, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted impact of social media on the Indian legal system, emphasizing the need for context-specific approaches in the digital age.
INTRODUCTION:
In the age of digitization and connectivity, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing not only how we communicate but also permeating various facets of society, including the legal landscape. The impact of social media on legal decision-making is a multifaceted and evolving phenomenon that necessitates a nuanced examination. This article explores the implications, challenges, and considerations associated with the influence of social media on the decisions made within the legal realm.
I. Evidentiary Challenges:
A cornerstone of legal decision-making is the presentation and evaluation of evidence. Social media platforms have become veritable treasure troves of information that lawyers and litigants seek to leverage in building or challenging legal cases. However, the admissibility and authenticity of social media content as evidence present unique challenges.
II. Privacy Concerns:
The intersection of social media and legal decision-making brings forth significant privacy considerations. As legal professionals scour social media for relevant information, issues such as unauthorized access to private profiles, the admissibility of private messages, and the potential for profiling based on social media activity come to the forefront.
III. Jury Impartiality:
The influence of social media extends beyond legal professionals to impact the impartiality of juries. Jurors’ exposure to extraneous information, discussions, or opinions on social media during a trial poses a significant challenge to maintaining a fair and unbiased legal process.
IV. Impact on Legal Professionals:
Legal professionals themselves are not immune to the transformative effects of social media. The rise of these platforms as tools for networking, information dissemination, and professional development has brought both benefits and challenges to the legal community.
CONCLUSION:
As India grapples with the intricate relationship between social media and legal decision-making, lessons from global and Indian cases underscore the need for a nuanced and context-specific approach. Evidentiary challenges, privacy concerns, threats to jury impartiality, and the changing role of legal professionals highlight the multifaceted nature of this issue. The Indian legal system must adapt by establishing clear guidelines, considering precedents, and ensuring that the integration of social media into legal proceedings aligns with principles of fairness, justice, and individual rights.
In navigating this intersection, the legal community in India must strive for a delicate balance, leveraging the benefits of technological advancements while safeguarding the integrity and values inherent in the country’s legal traditions.
