First Information Report II

Posted on by Rudrajyoti Nath Ray

Broadcasts on Republic TV on 16.04.2020 and R Bharat on 21.04.2020, in relation to an incident at Gadchinchle [Palgarh, Maharashtra], led to lodging of multiple First Information Reports against Arnab Ranjan Goswami. The broadcast is the foundation of the allegation, offences have been committed. To allow a journalist to be subjected to pursuit of remedies traversing multiple States, when faced with complaints bearing the same foundation, destroys the right of the journalist to ensure an informed society. The intervention of this Court is necessary to protect the rights of ARG to fair treatment, guaranteed by Article 14, and the liberty, as a journalist, to conduct an independent portrayal of views. The filing of multiple First Information Reports arising out of the same telecast is an abuse of process and is impermissible.

ARG

– Hon’ble Justice Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, Arnab Ranjan Goswami v. Union of India, [Writ Petition (Crl) No. 130 of 2020].

_____

Also see, Krishna Lal Chawla v. State of UP, [Criminal Appeal No. 281 of 2021] decided on 08.03.2021. 

_____

It must be clarified, every journalist will be entitled to protection in terms of Kedar Nath Singh, (1962) Supp. 2 SCR 769 as every prosecution under Sections 124A and 505, IPC must be in strict conformity with the scope and ambit of said Sections as explained in, and completely in tune with the law laid down in Kedar Nath Singh.

– Hon’ble Justice U.U. Lalit, Vinod Dua v. Union of India, [Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 154 of 2020] decided on 03.06.2021.

'The Last Word' seeks to include not only wise and witty sayings but also curiosities. These words are not of obligation but of delight. I am not alone in my refusal to believe, law is tedious. For all who escaped these percipient eyes, mea culpa maxima. History, after all, has many cunning passages, contrived corridors and issues.