Insta
Gauri Lankesh, a journalist from Bengaluru had been murdered about same time last year, on September 6. (Photo by Burhaan Kinu/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been making several arrests in the past few weeks in relation to the murder of Karnataka journalist Gauri Lankesh. The team is now moving the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) court to invoke certain specific clauses of the Act that allows prevention of dissemination of any material, information and news relating to the crime committed.
This is in lieu with any imminent security threats against the witnesses that might possibly collude the smooth progress of the case, and hence a gag order is deemed necessary.
Should the court sanction the provision, any violators will have to shell out Rs 1,000 and even face prison up to a year.
According to Section 20 of the Act, the SIT can avail the provision of maintaining discretion about the proceedings, names and details pertaining to the case.
Many legal experts have protested against this move, and say that the media only keeps the investigation in check, to ensure that any flaws are pointed out, so that corrective measures can be adopted.
These provisions have been witnessed in the case of Mohammed Haris Nalapad, Shantinagar MLA NA Haris’ son, who was involved in the pub brawl case at Farzi Cafe in Bengaluru.
The SIT has arrested 13 men so far, in connection with the Gauri Lankesh case.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest