On the request of the petitioner, who appears in person, we grant leave to implead the following news channels as party-respondents to these proceedings namely; (i) Times Now; (ii) India News, U.P.; and (iii) India News National.
We permit service to be affected on the newly added respondents through dasti summons by the petitioner. The newly added respondents are directed to file replies, through counter affidavits within a period of two weeks from the date of service, clarifying as to whether there was any technical reason which led to the black-out of broadcast on or after 10 January 2014. If there were technical reasons, the counter affidavits shall specifically clarify what the nature of technical reasons were. In the event, there were no technical reasons and the broadcast was pulled off the air on account of any formal or informal directive, coercion or communication from the State, a functionary of the State, a political party or functionary thereof or for any person whatsoever, the affidavits shall clarify the nature of the restraint, if any.
We stand over the hearing to 24 March 2014.
The report which has been placed on record by the Chief Secretary shall be kept in custody of the Court in sealed cover. The State shall also file its counter affidavit by the next date of listing.
Order Date :- 19.2.2014 Vijay (Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, CJ) .
(Dr. D.K. Arora, J)