In this matter, this Court issued suo motu notice pursuant a news report in the Times of India newspaper about bootlegging activities in Kalol. A similar news item was also published in Sandesh newspaper. In return, it was pointed out to this Court that the news reported by the aforesaid newspapers are fabricated stories, and is not acceptable. Reasons are also indicated before us. We are not examining justification of the reasons at this stage.
Suffice it to say that the Editors of both the newspapers have published the correct state of affairs. However, the lady in whose name the news items were reported was unnecessarily required to attend this Court on various occasions. In our view, therefore, if the lady is paid Rs.50,000/- by way of cost, the purpose would be served. We, therefore, direct the Editors of the Times of India and Sandesh to pay Rs.25,000/- each as cost to Ramilaben Kiritkumar Vaghela by accounts payee cheque in her name within one week from today. This amount shall not be taken into consideration in case Ramilaben files a suit for damages in the trial Court, and if such a suit is filed, the trial Court will have to decide the matter in accordance with law without being influenced by the order passed by this Court at this stage.
Ms. Mehrook Kerawala states that it is the desire of Ramilaben that the amount may be invested in a Fixed Deposit. The amount, therefore, is ordered to be invested in a Fixed Deposit in the name of Ramilaben Kiritkumar Vaghela in any nationalised Bank for a period of five years and if Ramilaben so desires, she is permitted to withdraw interest accruing thereon on a quarterly/half-yearly basis.
Ms. Mehrook Kerawala was requested to render necessary assistance in this matter, and we appreciate the services rendered by her. We also appreciate the services rendered by Mr. A.H. Mehta and Mr. Shah, appearing for the newspapers.
This petition stands disposed of. Notice is discharged.
( B.C. PATEL, J. ) csm./(P.B. MAJMUDAR, J.)