INDIA
The Karnataka High Court today advised the state Assembly to amicably resolve the issue of sentencing of two editors of Kannada tabloids to one year in jail for alleged defamatory articles against legislators.
The Karnataka High Court today advised the state Assembly to amicably resolve the issue of sentencing of two editors of Kannada tabloids to one year in jail for alleged defamatory articles against legislators.
Noting that he had no adjudicating powers to give a ruling on a resolution passed by the Assembly, Justice Ashok Hinchigere said he was therefore advising the Speaker to find an amicable solution to the matter.
The judge also virtually ticked off the two editors, saying they should restrain from "hitting below the belt" by publishing 'baseless' articles.
"...Is it possible for the Speaker that he can keep in abeyance the resolution sentencing the two editors? If it is, it should be done in the interest of the system," the judge said, hearing the petitions filed by the two journalists challenging the assembly's June 21 resolution.
In a rare step, the assembly awarded the sentence besides imposing a fine of Rs 10,000 each on Ravi Belagere and Anil Raju of Kannada tabloids 'Hai Bangalore' and 'Yelahanka Voice' based on the recommendations of Privileges Committee of the House.
The editors have moved the high court seeking a stay on their arrest and quashing of the resolution.
Justice Hinchigere said the journalists have the freedom of expression, but not at the cost of hurting and humiliating anyone, in this case the legislators.
He also said that Belagere's non-compliance of (Privileges Committee) summons amounted to "disgraceful disobedience".
"As many as 11 summons were issued to him and yet he did not turn up to depose before the privileges committee. This amounts to 'disgraceful disobedience'," he observed.
Counsel for the state government Ponanna said Raju, however, deposed before the committee and apologised, but resumed writing against MLA SR Vishwanath.
The judge said the editors should face the law and cannot abscond. They should restrain themselves from "hitting below the belt" by publishing baseless articles.
He also directed government to give a copy of the resolution to the petitioners in two weeks time.
The next hearing will be heard tomorrow.
The assembly resolution had triggered protests from media with the Editors' Guild of India terming it as a "gross misuse" of power which "violates" the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.
The guild had also urged the assembly to withdraw its resolution "without delay."
(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
DNA TV Show: Arsh Dalla, Khalistani terrorist, arrested in Canada
Pushpa 2 first review: Rashmika Mandanna says Allu Arjun movie is 'freaking amazing'
SA vs IND: Tilak Varma scripts history with maiden century in 3rd T20I against South Africa
Delhi becomes world's most polluted city, overtakes Pakistan's Lahore, AQI recorded at...
Last Supermoon of 2024: Know when and how to watch it and other details here
Noida man arrested for creating ‘cannabis nursery’ inside house after being inspired by…
Actor John Krasinski named 'Sexiest Man Alive 2024' by People magazine
Meet outsider who worked in bank for eight years, became OTT star, will now star opposite Kajol in..
What is wedding invitation scam, how to protect yourself from it?
Arjun Tendulkar achieves rare feat which father Sachin Tendulkar never did in his 25-year career
Mukesh Ambani suffers Rs 12548 crore loss after buying Star from Disney, here's how
Ananya Panday sets Instagram on fire in sizzling bikini; BFF Suhana Khan, mom Bhavana Pandey react
International Trade Fair 2024 in Delhi from Nov 14: Know ticket price, timings, venue and more
SA vs IND: Varun Chakravarthy eyes Ravichandran Ashwin's all-time India record in T20Is
This govt company sold Rs 28880000000 shares of Ratan Tata firm, reduces its holding to...
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI hits 'Severe' category, record high in India today with 418
Tesla CEO Elon Musk spreading misinformation on X? His own AI model says...
Independent candidate slaps SDM outside booth during Rajasthan bypolls, watch video here
Viral video: Vistara crew bids emotional farewell on last flight before merger with Air India, watch
NBR Group Redefines Luxury Living With New Brand Identity, Tagline, and Logo
Resham Kamboj: Empowering Souls and Financial Freedom Through Spiritual Mentorship
NTPC Green Energy Rs 10000 crore IPO: Check subscription date, price band, lot size and more
India’s first hydrogen train to start trials soon: Check route, features, top speed to be…
Tejasvi Jaiswal's selfless sacrifice for brother Yashasvi Jaiswal rewarded with life's greatest gift
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani to shut down these outlets under Reliance Retail due to...
Watch viral video: This MP stole Bill and ran away with intention to...
US comedian's hilarious imitation of Donald Trump goes viral, watch video here
Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: CSK legend MS Dhoni and wife Sakshi cast vote in Ranchi - Watch
LoP Rahul Gandhi rides Kerala's longest zipline in Wayanad to boost tourism after landslides; watch
Nita Ambani stuns in floral ensemble as she poses with Anupam Kher at NMACC
Anil Ambani's company makes HUGE profit in 3 months, market cap now reaches Rs...
Is Space Travel Safe: Surprising ways Space affects human body
Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif lost this blockbuster franchise of Rs 600 crore, were replaced by...
'Can't believe...': Woman dresses up as ghost in viral video, here's what happened next, WATCH
HURRY UP! Coldplay announces fourth show in Ahmedabad, tickets to go on sale from...
Chhath Puja turns scary! Venomous snake turns towards woman performing rituals, then…
Meet man who left college at 18, earned Rs 1200 crore at 20, is CEO now, has net worth of Rs...
Radhika Merchant changes name, shares thoughts on work and marriage
Renewable Energy: Power generation expert Shahroz Anjum leads way in solar optimisation
Meet man, Indian-origin VP, who uses vacations to determine if he's hired right people, he is...
Ricky Ponting hits back at Gautam Gambhir's 'minding own business' advice, says, 'He is…'
Decision between renting and owning: Krupa Goel's perspective on what's shaping choices today
SC pronounces verdict on 'bulldozer justice': 'Having a home is a longing that never fades...'
Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over Church of England sex abuse scandal
Why world's most valuable company Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang doesn’t wear a watch, know here