REGISTRAR GHC AGARTALA BENCH Vs. GAUTAM DAS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By virtue of an order of 17.7.96, passed by one of us (Hon"ble Das, J.) this Criminal Contempt Case No. 2 of 1996 was placed before a Division Bench of this Court on 19.7.1996 and this Court issued a notice calling upon the respondent to show cause as to why contempt proceedings should not be drawn up against the present respondent, Shri Gautam Das, Editor, Daily Desher Katha, Agartala, West Tripura.

(2.) Thereafter, by an order of 20.8.96, this Court in exercise of its power under Article 215 of the Constitution of India read with Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 drew up a contempt proceeding against the said respondent and directed him to appear before this Court personally on 23rd August, 1996 at 10-30 A.M. White issuing the notice upon the respondent, this Court also gave opportunity to the respondent to file affidavit in support of his case.

(3.) In pursuance of the Court's order dated 20.8.1996, the respondent appeared in person before this Court and heard him in person also and this Court explained the charges so far levelled against him and took down his reply in respect of the questions which were put to him on 23.8.1996 and the respondent pleaded not guilty to the said charges. This Court also heard Mr. B. Das, learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent. As requested by this Court, Mr. A. Chakraborty, learned Advocate General agreed to assist this Court. And on the submission of the learned Advocate General two days time was granted to him so as to enable the learned Advocate General to assist this Court properly. The respondent has also been allowed to file additional affidavit in support of his case. Accordingly, the respondent has filed the same today, i.e. after two days of the argument so far advanced by Mr. Das, [learned senior counsel for the respondent on 23.8.96.