New Delhi, Jun 14: Supreme Court on Sunday refused to stay the investigation against veteran journalist Vinod Dua and asked for a status report on the ongoing probe by the police in connection with his alleged posts on youtube.
A bench headed by Justice UU Lalit, said, Dua, if required, should appear through video-conferencing in the case.
The Apex Court also issued notice to the Centre and Himachal Pradesh government, but said that the FIR against, Dua, will not be stayed and the probe can go on.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta accepted the notice on behalf of the Centre and Himachal Pradesh government lawyer and sought two weeks time to file response on Dua’s plea.
Vikas Singh, lawyer for Vinod Dua, asked for staying the FIR. I telecast everyday a show & if FIRs are to be registered like this, only two channels will survive in this country.
Justice Lalit objected, and asked Singh to apologise for naming those who aren’t party to the case. Singh apologised.
Justice Lalit said, We won’t stay the investigation at this stage.
Then, Singh replied, it will send a wrong signal.
Justice Lalit said, whether it will send a right signal or a wrong signal, it is for us to decide.
Singh said that the fundamental rights of freedom of expression will be affected.
Supreme Court also made it clear that at this point in time, the investigation will be allowed to be continued.
The Apex Court said that Himachal Pradesh police can continue with the investigation and interrogate Vinod Dua at his residence after giving 24 hour notice to the journalist.
No arrest till the next date of hearing but Dua must co-operate with the Police and join the investigation, the Apex Court said, and fixed the matter for further hearing to July 6.
The veteran journalist, Dua, had moved the Apex Court seeking protection against arrest and coercive action in connection with FIRs registered against him in two states pertaining to the alleged incitement of communal hatred in his You Tube show/programme.
