Today the Supreme Court refused to interfere in the Plea of Republic TV and its Editor-in-Chief Mr Arnab Goswami, seeking quashing of FIR in connection with Manipulation of TRP.
Supreme Court has allowed the Republic TV and Mr Arnab Goswami to approach Bombay High Court.
Supreme Court observed that it would be better if you approach the Bombay High Court Either under 482 Cr.P.C. or Article 226 of Constitution.
Justice Chandrachud also observed that the court is concerned that there is a growing tendency of Commissioner of Police giving interviews.
Justice Indu Malhotra observed that the Petitioner Channel and Arnab Goswami could go to High Court under Article 226 of Constitution, as it is more expansive than Article 32.
Last week the Commissioner of Police held a Press Conference and claimed to have busted a racket of Fake TRP by television channels. Read Here
As per the statement of Mumbai Police, people were paid Rs. 400-500 per month to switch on channels for 24 hours continuously. The households where members were illiterate, were watching English News Channels.
Mumbai Police revealed the name of Republic TV, Fakth Marati and Box Cinema, who are alleged to be involved in this practice.
As per Mumbai Police, these manipulations are done to get higher TRPs and obtain Advertisements. The Police has caught a person who is alleged to be associated with Hansa Research Group Pvt Ltd, which was assisting the Broadcast Audience Research Council.
Mumbai Police has lodged FIR for offences of criminal breach of trust (Section 409), cheating (420) and criminal conspiracy (120B) under the Indian Penal Code.
Republic TV Editor-In-Chief Arnab Goswami had issued a statement warning Mumbai Police of the criminal defamation case.
