New Delhi: In a fresh order, the Supreme
Court today restrained the media from sensational or
scandalous reporting of Aarushi murder case even as parents of
the girl accused CBI of changing the course of investigation
and purported leaks "damaging" their reputation.
A Bench of Justices Altamas Kabir and A K Patnaik, while
reiterating its July 23, 2008, restraint order on the media,
also, asked CBI to explain whether the reports in the media
were based on the "leaks" by the investigating agency or were
just "imaginary reports."
The apex court also issued notices to the "Mail Today"
and "Pioneer" newspapers on the application of Aarushi`s
dentist-parents Rajesh and Nupur Talwar criticising their
recent articles purportedly inferring the couples` involvement
in the murder of their daughter and domestic help Hemraj.
On July 23, on a PIL filed by an advocate Surat Singh,
the apex court had restrained the media from resorting to any
sensational or scandalous reporting of the case.
Aarushi, the 14-year-old daughter of Rajesh and Nupur
Talwar, was found dead with her throat slit in her parents`
home at Jalvayu Vihar in Noida on May 16, 2008. Hemraj was
also found murdered in the same house the next day.
The apex court said "nobody wants to gag the press. But
someone can gag on irresponsible press and media reporting.
The press is very important. There has to be self-regulation.
If it fails, what to do?
"Do not sensationalise, She was a young girl of 14
years", the Bench said, pointing out that scandalous reporting
would adversely affect the reputation of the deceased and the
family.
"What about the reputation of the girl and the other
person killed?. I am certainly against sensationalism and such
character assassination. It is a very very serious matter,"
the Bench said while passing the fresh order.
The Bench also slammed CBI for reported leaks by the
agency.
"We request you to take it up with your department and
instruct your officials not to indulge in such things", the
bench said.
"Who is the CBI officer? They are more interested in
going to the press than investigate. Instead of going to the
press, you should investigate," the Bench told Additional
Solicitor General P P Malhotra appearing for the union
government.
-PTI
