Bombay High Court refuses to ban media from airing and publishing Katju’s allegations

A division bench of the Bombay High court in Nagpur comprising of Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice S.B. Shukre yesterday, refused to entertain a writ petition filed by Nagpur- based lawyer Uday Dastane, who claimed that by airing Katju’s allegations, the news channels were bringing disrespect and bad name to the judiciary. He had hence demanded that the Court should interfere and ban the media from airing and publishing the controversial news immediately.

Assistant Solicitor General, Rohit Deo, while opposing the petition, submitted that the judiciary isn’t fragile, to be damaged by such controversies.

The Bench declined to entertain the petition, in the lack of any cogent reasons for interference under Article 226 or Article 215 of the Constitution of India, being brought to their notice by the petitioner.

The Court also found no element of contempt in the controversy and reportedly asked, “We expect transparency from the executive and legislature, then why the judiciary matters should be put behind curtains?”

Former Supreme Court Judge and present Chairman of Press Council of India, Mr. Markandey Katju posted shocking revelations on Facebook, regarding the conduct of three former Chief Justices of India, CJIs Justice Lahoti, Justice Sabharwal and Justice K.G. Balakrishnan in granting extension and confirming a corrupt judge.

Read the Facebook post here.

Read the jurists opinion over the controversy here.

Read the six questions posted by Katju to Justice Lahoti here.

Also read, Judgment in Shanti Bhushan and another Vs Union of India (2007) echoes Justice Katju’s allegations.