Queency Jain-
Udaipur-based newspaper Udaipur times has been issued a notice to appear before the Bombay High Court for its prohibited reporting of the trial relating to the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Justice G.S. Patel observed that the newspaper not only made the editorial comments on the cross-examination, but also made objectionable comments on the Senior Advocate Mr. Chagla, who was appearing on the behalf of the defendant, and even on the Justice himself by mentioning him as the Judge presiding over the trial.
The observation was made while the Court was hearing an interim application of Defendant on a serious matter and the Defendant alleged that despite being given concrete directions, Plaintiff has provided all the information of the trial to a newspaper even before the trial could have even completed.
Hearing the contentions of Defendant, the Court observed that the newspaper did not get access to all the information itself rather it was duly provided to them as the newspaper published the extracts of the cross-examination.
Raising concern over the issue, the Court asked Plaintiff to personally explain the matter and submit the affidavit along with an apology and undertaking to the Court.
In conclusion, the Court directed the Udaipur Times to appear before the Court, either personally or through an advocate, to explain its conduct.