[Media Trial In Sushant Singh Rajput Case] Live-Updates From Bombay HC

Barrage of petitions filed and the term which has been coined is happening because a certain section is pained by it and not the public in general. For two months, FIRs were not registered in the matter, Republic TV's counsel tells Bombay HC

Journalist has right to bring public opinion on the forefront and criticise the Govt. Not necessary that everyone will appreciate what is being projected by news channels however if a news makes a certain section uncomfortable is the essence of a democracy, Republic TV's Counsel

In the present unfortunate death of Sushant Singh & Disha Salian lie at the core of this matter. Republic TV has embarked on this journey of Investigative journalism, Counsel for Republic tells the Bombay HC 

Trivedi says that she would like to clarify under what circumstances did Republic TV left the NBA.

Counsel for Times Now and Republic TV seek to make submissions.

Advocate Trivedi now appears for Republic TV. She says that she seeks to make submissions.

Court tells her, "We have not curbed your freedom of speech madam!"

Court now asks Bhatnagar as to why the Body does not have suo motu powers.

Bhatnagar replies: I don't see any difficulty in that and we should have suo motu cognisance powers available to us (NBF).

Bhatnagar now concludes.

Court: According to guidelines, if complaint is received, it will be sent to the Body. According to you, no complaint received till date?

Bhatnagar: No, as on date. Will seek instructions on this.

Bhatnagar is reading averments in the PIL, filed on account of unfair media trial and prejudice caused by sensational reporting due to which the name of Mumbai Police was tarnished according to the petitioner. 

Persons who are likely to be attacked by the media, perhaps more viciously - are government officials and if limits crossed, enough safeguards to deal with it, says Bhatnagar.

Less government interference, the better - as far as Article 19(1)(a) is concerned, says Bhatnagar.