- No doubt about police power, but this case is different: CJI
- The FIR filed by Maha govt. Not genuine: Harish Salve
- Let nobody think someone is above law : Singhvi
New Delhi: Supreme Court has started hearing on Monday an appeal by Maharashtra Govt against the Bombay high court order staying the investigation against Repulbic TV’s Chief Editor Arnab Goswami in connection with his shows on Palghar Sadhu Lynching case.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the Maharashtra Govt. He questioned how can the entire investigation be stayed by a court in such a manner.
Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde responded saying that nobody is doubting the power of the police to investigate, but the impression being given in the present case isn’t proper.
Singhvi said the State is willing to concede that Arnab Goswami won’t be arrested if the investigation is revived. Arnab Goswami will be given a notice of at least 48 hours before a summons is issued for questioning, Singhvi added.
Singhvi: Let the impression not go out that someone is above law…
Harish Salve appearing on behalf of Arnab Goswami said, ‘’ The society is fragile and nobody should do anything to disturb it. But I must also bring to your notice what’s happening in that State. This isn’t a genuine FIR.”
CJI to Salve: “You (Arnab Goswami) don’t have to conform to the model standards. You can be old fashioned & report differently. Frankly speaking, I can’t stand it. This has never been the level of discourse in this country.”
CJI asked Salve to put it on affidavit what he (Arnab Goswami) proposes to do. “We have one or the other case coming up every day,” he quipped.
SC also asked Maharashtra Govt. to submit a list of FIRs it has filed against him.
Hearing adjourned for 2 weeks.
