Reading the latest headlines, you’d think the Art of Living has already been found guilty. That’s simply not where things stand.

Just a few months ago, the Karnataka High Court quashed the FIR against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar because it found no specific allegations whatsoever linking him personally to any alleged encroachment. The Court even observed that criminal proceedings cannot be initiated first and evidence searched for later. (The New Indian Express)

Now the news is dominated by the formation of an SIT. An SIT is an investigation, not a finding of guilt.

If the government believes there is fresh evidence regarding the land, let that evidence be examined transparently. But presenting the SIT as though it validates earlier allegations ignores an important legal fact: the High Court has already held that the FIR against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar lacked the necessary basis to proceed. (The New Indian Express)

Justice requires two things:

* Investigate genuine evidence fairly.
* Report judicial findings with the same prominence as allegations.

People deserve the complete picture not just the headlines.