Delhi Liquor 'Scam' Case: High Court Takes Exception To India Today, Republic TV Reportage; Issues Notice To 5 News Channels

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed news channels to ensure that their reporting in respect of Delhi liquor scam case is in accordance with the official press releases issued by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and in compliance of the guidelines or directives which govern the news broadcasting.

Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order while hearing a plea moved by an accused Vijay Nair, the former CEO of an event management company associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that the probe agencies have leaked sensitive information to the media.

Previously, the court had asked both the probe agencies to place on record all the press communications and public announcements issued by them in relation to ongoing probe in the matter.

Today, the ED counsel Zohaib Hossain told the court that the agency had not issue any press release in respect of the case. He also stated that none of the broadcast was based on any information provided or disclosed by the agency to the concerned broadcasters.

On the other hand, the counsel appearing for CBI placed on record various press releases issued by the agency dated August 1, September 5 and October 17.

Perusing the same, the court noted said that there was "simply no correlation" between what was broadcasted by the news channels and the information which was provided by any of the investigating agencies.

"This is not a case where atleast at this stage it can be said that the information was collectively leaked or provided by the investigating agencies," Justice Varma said in the order.

During the course of hearing, the court also expressed displeasure over the broadcast of news channels like India Today and Republic TV, as mentioned in Nair's plea.

"If self regulation is mere eyewash, then why should we not disband you?….see this broadcast by India Today, look what is written below it….where do they get this from?," Justice Varma told the counsel appearing for News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA).

He added: "….What the news channels publish has to be in line with the disclosures made by CBI, ED…it could be something which is reflected from order of court…where are they getting this from?"

"These channels are your members….either you are a self regulatory body or you're not a self regulatory body…choose what you want? Is India Today a member of self regulatory body or not? See what is written in the bottom…."

Taking note of the nature of broadcasts, the court issued notice to five news channels referred in the plea, while directing NBDSA to duly examine the same and place on record as to whether their reporting was in compliance with the guidelines framed in respect of broadcasting.

Furthermore, bearing in mind the safeguards that have been put in place by the trial court before whom the case is pending, the court also noted that the conditions imposed by the special judge were sufficient to protect the interest of concerned parties.

Nair was recently granted bail in the CBI case. However, he continues to remain in custody as he was arrested by ED in the alleged money laundering case connected to the CBI FIR.

As per the FIR registered by CBI, Nair is accused of entering into a criminal conspiracy with other individuals relating to Delhi Government's excise policy of 2021-22.

The FIR names Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia as an accused, among various others.