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'Mysore episode': court to hear newspapers' plea today

By J. Venkatesan

New Delhi Nov. 17. The Supreme Court will hear tomorrow an application filed on behalf of several newspapers seeking stay of all further contempt proceedings initiated against them by the Karnataka High Court pursuant to publication of certain news reports pertaining to the `Mysore episode.'

A Bench, comprising the Chief Justice V.N. Khare and Justice S.B. Sinha, fixed the date of hearing of the application after it was mentioned by counsel, P.H. Parekh.

The application filed by Vishweshwara Bhat, Executive Managing Editor, Vijaya Karnataka, and others said that though the apex court had on October 6 observed that the matter needed to be given the quietus, on the same day notice was given on behalf of Justice N.S. Veerabhadriah, one of the three Judges (against whom news reports were published), sent legal notices to several newspapers claiming damages of Rs. 1 crore each for defaming him.

Subsequently, the Judge had filed suits in the City Civil Court, Bangalore, against nine newspapers claiming total damages of Rs. 31.01 lakhs — Times of India (Rs. 10.01 lakhs); The Hindu and Kannada Prabha (Rs. 1 lakh each); Deccan Herald (Rs. 5 lakhs); India Today (Rs. 6 lakhs); Vijaya Karnataka; Prajavani; Udyavani and Lankesh Patrike (Rs. 2 lakhs each).

On November 12, in the contempt proceedings suo motu initiated by the High Court, it was submitted by the contemnors about the proceedings pending before the Supreme Court and that the senior advocate, F. S. Nariman, had been appointed as amicus curiae in the matter.

The application said that even after the apex court order was read out, the High Court decided to proceed with the contempt proceedings observing that there was no stay granted by the Supreme Court.

It, therefore, sought stay of all contempt and other proceedings pending against the various newspapers.

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