Justice Bose:I’ve had some interaction with two of the petitioners.Its long time back. Any of you have objection with me taking up the matter?
CJI:He knows 2 petitioners & in some interaction he met them.
Counsels say they have no objection
SG: I don’t think government can be more transparent and impartial than this.
SG: I’m denying every allegation. The Minister made it very clear that its a sensational story published by a web portal. This is Centre’s stand on merit. However there is nothing to hide. Its a technical issue and requires expertise.
SG reads that UOI will constitute a committee of experts: These issues are technical issues.
SG: There’s nothing other than uncorroborated reports.
CJI asks SG to read the affidavit.
Sr Adv Mukul Rohatgi forWhatsapp: We are respondent in writ Petition.
Bench: You are supporting!?
Rohatgi: I have nothing to do with #Pegasus
CJI to petitioner Counsels: Now you have seen an affidavit is filed by Union of India. Have you read it?
Sr Adv Meenakshi Arora: I don’t have benefit of the affidavit
Sr Adv Shyam Divan: I’ve filed 3 additional affidavits after last hearing.
Sr Adv Kapil Sibal joins.
SG: I’ve filed an affidavit