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.