'They Should Have Some Sense' : CJI On False 'Times Now' Tweet Saying He Visited Lakhimpur Victims

During the hearing of the PIL relating to Lakhimpur Kheri violence, a lawyer mentioned before the Supreme Court bench a tweet posted by 'Times Now' channel which made a false claim that the Chief Justice of India had met the kin of the victims.

Taking strong exception to the false news, the bench said that media should verify facts.

A Bench comprising the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli was hearing a PIL seeking proper probe into the recent Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident which claimed the lives of 8 people, four of them being farmers protesters who were allegedly mowed down by a vehicle driven by the son of Union Minister and BJP MP Ajay Kumar Mishra.

As the hearing came to an end, one counsel, Advocate Agnish Aditya, invited the attention of the bench to a tweet by Times Now which stated that CJI Ramana visited and met the kin of the deceased in Lakhimpur Kheri in Lucknow. The tweet was later deleted by the channel.

While CJI refused to comment, Justice Surya Kant called it an unfortunate incident.

"It's unfortunate for media, We're sorry to observe someone is exceeding the freedom of speech. At least verify facts, this is all false representation being done." Justice Surya Kant said.

" We respect media and their independence but this not a way to cross it, this is not fair!" Justice Hima Kohli remarked.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve, who was appearing for the State of Uttar Pradesh, stated that he himself has also been at the receiving end of irresponsible tweets.

"I am not on the issue of tweets...but they must have some sense, I am sitting in court. How can I go to Lucknow and visit with family?" CJI Ramana said.

"This is so absurd that it deserves to be treated with contempt" Mr Salve said.

"Leave it there. We should not bother with these things. When you are in public life, we've to receive brickbats" CJI said.

Later, Times Now posted a clarification stating that "Due to an inadvertent error, the phrase "SP Chief" went as "SC Chief" on the broadcast at 15:29. TIMES NOW wants to clarify that any reference to the Chief Justice of India is unintended. TIMES NOW apologises for the inconvenience caused to the CJI, NV Ramana".

During the hearing, the Supreme Court recorded its dissatisfaction over the investigation done by the Uttar Pradesh Police in the Lakhmimpur Kheri violence, which claimed the lives of 8 people, four of them being farmers protesters who were allegedly mowed down by the vehicles in the convoy of Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister and BJP MP Ajay Kumar Mishra. For more about that,  this report can be read.

Lakhmipur Kheri Violence : Supreme Court 'Not Satisfied' With UP Police Probe; Asks 'Is This The Way You Treat Accused In Other Murder Cases?By Sending Summons?'

Click Here To Read/ Download Order