Spiked TRP 'scam' case: HC directs Mumbai Police to submit progress report by Nov 4

The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Mumbai Police to submit the progress report pertaining to the investigation into charges of TRP fudging by November 4.

In view of the plea seeking interim protection from arrest of Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, the HC noted that he was not an accused in the case so far.

HC Directs Mumbai Police:

The HC directed the Mumbai Police to issue summons to Goswami in the first instance if he is proposed to be added as an accused in the FIR. The bench said in case of summons being issued, Goswami would have the liberty to move the HC for relief.

A division bench of Justice S S Shinde and Justice M S Karnik was hearing Republic TV’s petition against summons issued by Mumbai police in connection with the investigation into charges of TRP fudging.

The petition also seeks that an interim stay be ordered on the investigation in the case. And Mumbai Police be directed not to take any coercive steps against the channel or its employees.

The Mumbai police has summoned senior executives of the channel for questioning. The petition also sought the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

ALSO READ: IMD issues alert in many states; Heavy rain in Telangana & Maharashtra

Petition:

The petition filed before the Supreme Court was withdrawn on October 22 after the apex court said that the High Court should first be approached.

On Monday, senior counsels Harish Salve and Milind Sathe submitted that no offence was made out by the police. And their actions were reeking of “malafide”, with an attempt to suppress the petitioners’ voice.

Salve also said if a probe was to be conducted. It should not be by the police since they are biased against the petitioners. He submitted that the petitioners would cooperate with the investigation.

ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal discusses necessary steps to tackle pollution in Delhi

The court also referred to petitioners’ contention regarding the interviews given by the Mumbai Police commissioner to the media about the case. And said “there is a tendency by investigating officers to disclose about the ongoing investigations in sensitive cases”.

ALSO READ: Assam Doc in PPE kit dances to ‘Ghungroo’ to cheer up COVID-19 patients; Netizens love his swag

The HC said, “We consider media a fourth pillar of democracy though not mentioned in the constitution of India. So, it is up to them how to conduct their reporting.”

Stay tuned with the newstrack to get fastest updates. Click @englishnewstrack to follow us on Facebook and @newstrackmedia to follow on Twitter.