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Publishing opinions on Ayodhya a contempt: HC

LUCKNOW AUG. 21. Taking strong exception to the reporting on the Ayodhya issue by print as well as electronic media, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has warned the press not to publish opinions of parties, their counsel and other persons in the dispute pending before the court and cautioned that violation of this shall be treated as contempt of court.

The special full Bench, hearing the Ayodhya title suits, passed the order on Tuesday and also directed that the copy of the order be sent to the Editors of all newspapers, the Press Trust of India and all the electronic channels forthwith.

The court further restrained ``the press from publishing any article in regard to the merit of the case as it may affect public mind in regard to which the court is yet to take decision on the basis of the evidence, which the parties may produce in the Court.

"We have come to know that the TV channels are taking interview of the counsel of the parties or other persons in regard to the matter, which is pending in the court'' the Bench said in its order. "Television interview, at a time when the matter is still pending in the court, may affect the minds of the public and it also undermines the judicial authority and thwarts the majesty of the court while the court has yet to take decision in the matter.'' It further observed that ``this will amount to interference in the administration of justice.''

``The TV channels are prohibited from televising interviews in respect of the Ayodhya matter, which is still subjudice,'' the Bench said. The court recalled the reports of the views of some of the parties and their counsels on the order passed on August 1, last inviting suggestions and views of the parties in regard to excavation of the disputed site to find out as to whether there were foundations of Hindu temples or a Hindu religious structure prior to the demolition of the disputed structure.

In some newspapers, the reporting of the order was incorrect as it gave an impression that the court has passed final order in regard to the excavation, the Bench said adding ``in fact we have passed the order only inviting the views and suggestions of the parties and two weeks time was granted for the purpose.''

The court also cited stories published in some newspapers quoting the reactions of the Ram Janambhoomi Trust president, Mahant Paramhans Ram Chandra Das, the VHP vice-president, Giriraj Kishore, and the All-India Babri Masjid Action Committee on the court's suggestions on excavation of the disputed site. — PTI

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