The Supreme Court, Thursday, stayed a circular by the AAP government in Delhi which mandated filing of defamation cases against media organisations for publishing or broadcasting news that damage reputation of the Chief Minister, his council of ministers and the government.
Taking a hard view on the matter, the apex court questioned CM Arvind Kejriwal’s stand on the issue. As per reports, the court questioned his ‘doublespeak’ on the issue. The court said on one hand the Delhi CM ad earlier approached the court seeking relief in a criminal defamation case filed against him and on the other hand his government issues such a circular against media.
The court gave six weeks time to Arvind Kejirwal to respond on the issue.
According to the circular issued by the city government’s information and publicity department, if any officer associated with the Delhi government feels that a published or aired item damages his or the government’s reputation, he should file a complaint with the principal secretary (home).
