MENAKA RAO Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This application is moved urgently as according to Mr. Merchant, the Applicant, who is a Journalist by profession was trying to cover a criminal case which is pending before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, 47th Court, Esplanade, Mumbai. During such coverage, subject application was made because the learned Judge had prevented Press Reporters and Media from covering the proceedings by remaining present in Court. That was at the stage of hearing of the Remand Application arising out of C.R. No.22/2010, registered by L.T. Marg Police Station.

(2.) It is not necessary to go into the allegations and the offences alleged, as the limited grievance made is that the application

(3.) Without entering into any larger controversy and when even the learned Public Prosecutor has taken a fair and reasonable stand that I proceed to quash and set aside the order of the learned Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. The Applicant and other Journalists can enter the Court Hall and cover the proceedings but without causing any inconvenience to the working and functioning of the Court. Needless to state that the Press persons will not make any audio visual recording of the proceedings during their presence in the Court Hall nor cause any obstruction and hindrance to the working and functioning of the Court. Needless to further add that the Press persons who are present in Court can make their personal notes without causing any obstruction or interference to the working of the Court.