The Hindu : National : Restrain media from speculative reporting, Aarushi's father urges court

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National

Restrain media from speculative reporting, Aarushi's father urges court

J. Venkatesan

Uninformed conspiracy theories damage reputation

July 2008 interim order ignored by media: application
Talwar encloses copies of reports, DVD recordings

Rajesh Talwar

New Delhi: Rajesh Talwar has moved the Supreme Court for a direction to restrain the electronic and print media from carrying reports on the murder of his daughter, Aarushi. For, this might have the effect of prejudicing the defence of the accused or damaging the reputation of any person connected with the case.

Acting on a petition from advocate Surat Singh, the court already in July 2008 passed an interim order asking the media to exercise caution while reporting on the Noida double murder case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Aarushi and Dr. Talwar's domestic help were found murdered at their Noida house in May 2008. The culprits are yet to be identified.

Present application

In the present application, likely to come up for hearing next week, Dr. Talwar said despite the order and the sentiments expressed by the court, both the print and electronic media were obdurately and disdainfully continuing with the speculative ‘whodunit' reporting.

He had enclosed copies of newspaper reports and DVD recordings to indicate media infringements.

Dr. Talwar said such irresponsible and uninformed conspiracy theories being floated by a section of the media with the sole purpose of satisfying the voyeuristic curiosity of its readership and viewership not only prejudiced the ongoing investigation in pending criminal proceedings but also betrayed a complete disregard of the respect and reputation of the persons/families connected with the case.

It said in view of the potential implications, it is thus imperative that the print and electronic media were restrained from reporting/exhibiting information which was likely to prejudice or had a bearing on a investigation and/or which would amount to breach of right to privacy of the applicant and his family.

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