http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-southasia.asp?parentid=75293
INDIA: Can't gag media in a democracy, says HC Times of India's report on the Ambedkar Sports Complex contemptuous, but newspapers can't be gagged, says court Times of India Saturday, August 4, 2007 Lucknow --- In the hearing related to Ambedkar Sports Complex, additional advocate general JN Mathur said that certain news items published on Friday in an English daily (TOI) regarding the stadium facilities were highly contemptuous. On this, the bench said that the government "could take appropriate action in law if it thinks so but the throat of media cannot be gagged in democracy". The bench said that the court was not influenced at all by media reports, though it takes cognizance of a few news items if they click to it, subject to further proceedings on affidavits. Designated senior advocate Prashant Chandra, arguing for the petitioner Om Prakash and others, said that despite assurances given in the court for bringing normalcy in the stadium and sports activities, the government had its reservations and hiccups to comply with the courts order in letter and spirit. Meanwhile, the state government filed status reports in the court saying that all sports facilities had been restored in the stadium. Looking at the controverted submissions, the bench directed the government to file further status reports in the court on August 27 with details of facilities infrastructure and activities existing in June and their current position. The court has also sought details of facilities provided to coachs, players and other sports persons provided in KD Singh Babu Stadium after the state government decided to shift them to there from Ambedkar Sports Complex in Gomtinagar. Expressing regard to the alleged terrorist threat perception to the stadium by the state government as stated earlier by UP advocate general, Jyotindra Mishra, the bench called upon the government that if they allowed hostel inmates to relive in the complex, the threat perception would automatically die-down in the hustle-bustle activities of the inmates. Advocate general Jyotindra Mishra and chief standing counsel Devendra Upadhayaya were also present in the court, while additional advocate general JN Mathur argued for the state government. Date Posted: 8/4/2007
