ARNAB GOSWAMI Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned Senior Counsel, Shri Mahesh Jethmalani, assisted by Shri Muktesh Maheshwari and Ms. Vandana Bhansali, appearing for the Petitioner. Also heard the learned Public Prosecutor appearing on behalf of the State.

(2.) It is noted that although Vakalatnama has been filed on behalf of Respondent No.2 by learned counsels Shri Shivang Soni and Shri Karan Sharma, none have appeared on their behalf at the time of hearing.

(3.) The learned counsel for petitioner, has contended that the petitioner who is an eminent journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the Republic Media Network, has been falsely implicated in the present FIR No. 276/2022, registered at Police Station Ambamata, Udaipur, under Sec. 153A, which has been registered in pursuance of the news reporting conducted by Republic Bharat, a Hindi news channel under the Republic Media Network, regarding the demolition of a temple in Rajgarh, Rajasthan. It is specifically averred that the Petitioner is neither involved in the editorial decision-making of Republic Bharat nor has he participated in any capacity in the telecast, debate, or broadcast relating to the said news.