"Why Sealed Cover?": CJI Ramana Disapproves Again Practice Of Filing Reports In Sealed Covers

"Action taken report doesn't have to be in sealed cover" the Chief Justice of India on Wednesday told the counsel appearing for the State of Bihar while hearing a matter pertaining to the Muzaffarpur Shelter case.

A bench comprising CJI NV Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari was considering a petition filed by Bihar based journalist Nivedita Jha, which had challenged the blanket ban imposed by Patna High Court on media reporting of Muzaffarpur shelter home case.

The CJI's remark came in response to submission made by Advocate Manish Kumar appearing for the State, who sought to submit the action taken report in a sealed cover. He submitted that the State has taken action in pursuance of the recommendations made by the CBI.

"Why sealed cover?" the CJI asked

The State Counsel then informed the Court that CBI has been filing reports in sealed covers only under court orders. 

"I am not concerned with this. I am not concerned with names of the girls, just the names of officers. That doesn't have to be in sealed cover. Action taken report doesn't have to be in sealed cover." the CJI said

It may be noted that the Chief Justice of India recently on 21st March had refused to accept documents submitted before the Supreme Court in a sealed covered by the lawyer appearing on behalf of the Patna High Court.

"Don't give any sealed covers keep it with you, I don't want any sealed cover", Chief Justice of India NV Ramana had remarked

In a related development, a bench led by Justice Chandrachud had on the same day indicated that it will consider the legal tenability of the "sealed cover" process in the MediaOne case.

Case Title: Nivedita Jha v State of Bihar, SLP (C) 24978 OF 2018