New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday, deferred by two weeks, a plea filed by Maharashtra government challenging the Bombay HC suspending two FIRs filed against Republic TV Editor-In-Chief Arnab Goswami. Meanwhile, the Apex Court asked the state of Maharashtra and Republic TV to file their respective affidavits detailing all cases the anchor and the channel are sought to be prosecuted in.
Goswami has been accused of ‘communalising’ a gathering of migrant workers in Bandra, Mumbai in April and making derogatory statements against Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
A Bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde, Justices DY Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao while hearing the petition, today, noted that there has to be responsibility in reporting. “There are some areas one has to tread with caution”, CJI Bobde said.
Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State of Maharashtra, requested the Top Court to pass an order allowing the investigation without coercive steps.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve representing Goswami, pointed out that various people from the Channel and management have been questioned for long hours. “As on date, there is an FIR filed against the entire editorial team of Republic TV”, he said.
Responding to Mr Salve’s remarks, the bench said that it is possible that even after a long period of investigation, “suddenly a question may occur to the Police which is crucial and needs to be asked.”
After hearing all the arguments, the Court listed the matter after two weeks by then Goswami, his channel Republic TV, and the State of Maharashtra will file their respective affidavits.
The Bombay High Court had on June 30th stayed the FIRs filed against Goswami, saying that, “We cannot have the spectacle of a Damocles’ sword hanging over the head of a journalist while conducting a public debate.”
