BALDEV Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) S/Shri Baldev and Dieter Ludwig have applied for grant of anticipatory bail in these two separate petitions. This order will dispose of both these petitions.

(2.) In brief the case of the petitioner Baldev is that he is representative of French News Photo Agency, SYGMA with Head-Quarters at Paris. He had accompanied various Prime Ministers of India as a part of their official entourage. The Headquarters of SYGMA instructed him on telephone in May, 1991 to visit International Sahaja School, Dharamsala, H. P. for having the photographs of the school as well as the students studying there and showing there general lifestyle, including that of Master Yoann, a male child of French nationality. He, accordingly, visited that school and met its Principal Mr. Banerjee and introduced himself as news photographer, representative of SYGMA and sought his co-operation to photograph the School complex and students studying there. The Principal introduced him to various children including Master Yoann. The petitioner took his photographs besides those of other students. He has now learnt that a case has been registered against him at PS Dharamsala, H. P. for criminal trespass, at the instance of School Authorities and, therefore the Himachal Pradesh Police had come to arrest him. Therefore, apprehending his arrest he seeks anticipatory bail.

(3.) The other petitioner claims himself to be a representative photographer of SIPA Press Agency based in Paris. He claims to have visited the school in April-May, 1991 to write an article for "Paris Match" regarding Sahaja Yoga. He also similarly claims to have visited the school, met the Principal and according to him his article published regarding the activities of the school has resulted into the filing of false case against him.