New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday said that arrested climate activist Disha Ravi's right to privacy and freedom of speech need to be protected and balanced.
The Delhi High Court was hearing Disha Ravi's plea seeking direction to Delhi Police not to leak any investigation material in relation to the FIR filed against her to any third party including the media.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju appearing for Delhi Police denied the allegations of leakage of information.
The Delhi Police in a detailed affidavit stated that the allegation made by the petitioner against it is false, and that it has not leaked and shared any input and data with the media.
The High Court granted time to respondents to file reply and rejoinder.
The Court said that the petitioner's right to privacy and freedom of speech need to be protected and balanced.
The court said certain media coverage of investigation in the FIR against Disha Ravi, indicates "sensationalism and prejudicial reporting", but declined to order removal of any such content at this stage.
Justice Prathiba M Singh said the interim plea for removal of such news content and tweets by Delhi Police would be considered at a later stage.
Read: Toolkit case: Disha Ravi moves Delhi HC to restrain police from leaking probe material to media
The court, however, asked media houses to ensure that no leaked investigation material is broadcast as it could affect the probe and directed Delhi Police to abide by its stand, on affidavit, that it has not leaked nor intends to leak any probe details to the press.
The court said the police would be entitled to hold press briefings in the matter in accordance with the law and the agency's 2010 office memorandum with regard to media coverage of cases.
To media houses, the court said they should ensure the information received from their sources is authentic and only verified content ought to be publicised as also that the investigation is not hampered.
(With inputs from agencies)
