A journalist who filmed an illegal sand mining act in West Bengal had a criminal case lodged against him by the police, threatening arrest. The Calcutta High Court saw through this police-politician nexus and allowed the journalist’s anticipatory bail plea. The media needs such backing to be able to report on critical issues
The Court ordered that till the next date of hearing Shiv Prasad and Ramdhari in the case, will be released forthwith by the Station House Officer of the police station concerned, on their furnishing personal bond of Rs 50,000 with few conditions.
On October 6, 2020, the bench of Justices U.U. Lalit and Vineet Saran, had reserved their verdict after hearing arguments for Dua, the Himachal Pradesh government and the complainant in the case.