(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) This writ petition, by way of public interest, has been filed by one Silambarasan, who claims to be a reporter in Malai Thamilagam and a resident of Krishnagiri.
2. In the affidavit in support of the writ petition, it is alleged that there were messages going around whatsapp groups which contained the voice of the eighth respondent demanding bribe for issuance of property value certificate. In the writ petition, reference has been made to news reports published in the Daily Thanthi and the Dina Malar on 27.6.2017. According to the petitioner, the conversation between the eighth respondent and another person seeking a property certificate refers to the names of respondents 5 to 7. According to the petitioner, on enquiries, he found that the respondents named are indulging in corruption and taking bribes from the public.
3. Mr.M.K.Subramanian, learned Government Pleader submits that the Sub Collector is already enquiring into the allegations against respondents 5 to 8 and two others and states that the enquiry shall be completed within three months.
4. Mr.M.K.Subramanian, learned Government Pleader has also drawn our attention to a First Information Report lodged by one Ramasamy, Village Administrative Officer of Mookandapalli Village, Hosur Taluk, against one Silambarasan, Reporter (who is the petitioner in this case), wherein it is alleged that Silambarasan had been demanding money from him with the threat that if the demand was not met, messages would be spread through whatsapp and newspapers implicating the said Ramaswamy in corruption charges. Significantly, Ramaswamy is not a party to this writ petition.
5. Since an enquiry has already been instituted into the alleged acts of respondents 5 to 8 and two others, no order need be passed in this writ petition. Needless to mention that if the allegations against the respondents concerned or any other person are found to be correct, strict action will be taken in accordance with law.
The writ petition is disposed of with the above observations. No costs.