LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate Bar & Bench as Least Biased due to its focus on factual legal reporting without evident political alignment. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual as it provides direct excerpts from court rulings and legal filings but includes a Dealstreet section that functions similarly to sponsored placements without clear disclosure. While its general news coverage remains neutral and fact-based, the absence of explicit labeling in certain business-related articles lowers its factual rating.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-1.1)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (2.1)
Country: India
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Established in 2009, Bar & Bench is an online platform providing news and expert opinions concerning India’s legal system. It covers Supreme Court and High Court rulings, changes in legal policies, law firm news, and judicial appointments. In 2020, Bar & Bench expanded by launching content in Hindi and Kannada to reach a broader audience. Shishira Rudrappa is the co-founder of Bar & Bench.
Read our report on how the Government influences media in India.
Funded by / Ownership
Bar & Bench is operated by Sab Media And Publication Services Private Limited, incorporated in 2008. The platform generates revenue through advertisements and subscriptions. Bar & Bench has received external funding, including a 2012 seed round of $46.9K. Founders hold the majority stake, with angel investors owning a minority share.
Analysis / Bias
Bar & Bench provides legal reporting, focusing on court proceedings, legislative changes, and interviews with legal professionals. Its reporting is generally fact-based, often including direct excerpts from judgments and legal filings.
For instance, the article “Jammu & Kashmir HC Comes to Rescue of Woman Denied ST Certificate for Marrying Outside Community” reports on a legal case regarding caste-based reservations. The article details the court ruling and legal reasoning without editorializing.
Another example, “We Must Prevent Misuse of Section 498A Without Jeopardizing Interests of Women”, presents a judicial perspective on balancing women’s rights and legal safeguards. The article summarizes the judge’s remarks without inserting opinion.
Bar & Bench’s coverage of PM Narendra Modi primarily involves legal cases involving him or related political figures. For example: “Plea in Ajmer Court Seeks Injunction Against PM Modi’s Chadar Offering to Ajmer Sharif Dargah” – Reports a legal challenge to PM Modi’s religious offering. “Karnataka HC Quashes FIR Against Man Who Sent Wedding Invites With ‘Vote for Modi’ Message” – Covers a legal ruling on political speech in private functions.
In addition, Bar & Bench’s Dealstreet section focuses on corporate transactions. The articles primarily document mergers, acquisitions, investments, and fundraising rounds, often listing law firms, individual lawyers, and transaction details without broader financial or regulatory analysis. For example, the article “AZB, Trilegal act on Akasa Air’s fresh capital infusion” focuses on the legal advisors involved rather than the financial or operational impact of the investment. While Bar & Bench does not explicitly label Dealstreet articles as sponsored content, the promotional tone, emphasis on law firms, and the option to submit press releases strongly indicate that these articles function similarly to sponsored placements or press release republishing rather than independent legal journalism.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Bar & Bench as Least Biased due to its focus on factual legal reporting without evident political alignment. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual as it provides direct excerpts from court rulings and legal filings but includes a Dealstreet section that functions similarly to sponsored placements without clear disclosure. While its general news coverage remains neutral and fact-based, the absence of explicit labeling in certain business-related articles lowers its factual rating. (M. Huitsing 02/09/2025)
Source: https://www.barandbench.com/
Last Updated on February 9, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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