New Delhi (ILNS): Subsequent to the arrest of the Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami by the Mumbai Police yesterday, a two-judge bench of Bombay High Court comprising Justices S S Shinde and M S Karnik issued notice in the habeas petition filed by Goswami in an abetment to suicide case.
Senior Advocate Aabad Ponda (generally argues on the criminal side) represented Arnab Goswami in the court. He said: “The investigation which began from October 15 is illegal. The manner in which the arrest was done to the ‘bad-boy’ of TV journalism – he was arrested by 40 people with stun-guns.” Ponda further stated that without a judicial order, the police suo motu began this illegal investigation and argued that his client is behind in an illegal manner. He further submitted before the court that he wants to press only for interim reliefs, that is, the stay of investigation in the FIR of 2018.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, arguing over video conference from London, said:
“There are several cases filed against Goswami as he is a journalist and he should be released… Will the heavens fall on Maharashtra if he is released on interim?”
Ponda informed the court that there was only an intimation to the judicial magistrate on October 15 that they are re-opening the investigation.
The bench allowed the amendment of the petition to implead the informant in the petition of Arnab Goswami.
Justice Shinde asked if the informant (Akshata Naik) is a necessary party to the petition of Arnab Goswami and said, “Informant is not made a party in your petition.”
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To this Salve said: “Please give us leave to amend the petition and add the informant here itself.” Advocate Vaibhav Karnik appeared for Akshata Naik.
The matter will be heard tomorrow at 3 pm.
-India Legal Bureau