The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the government of Jharkhand over the way a journalist was arrested in the middle of night, without following any due procedure.
A Bench comprising Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli reprimanded the Jharkhand government over the ‘harassment’ of the mediaperson and the utter lawlessness prevailing in the state.
The Apex Court further refused to interfere with the order of the Jharkhand High Court, which had granted interim bail to Chatterjee in July.
The state of Jharkhand had challenged this order of the High Court before the Apex Court.
The Jharkhand police had arrested Chatterjee at the midnight on July 17, from his home in Ranchi.
An interim bail petition was moved by Chatterjee’s wife in the High Court, alleging that her husband was arrested in the middle of night, without following the due procedure under relevant Sections of CrPC.
Police had arrested Chatterjee on the basis of allegations made by businessman Rakesh Kumar, charging Chatterjee and his channel with broadcasting fake news against him. The businessman had further alleged Chatterjee of trying to extort Rs 11 lakh from him.