Smarting over Talwar attack,cops ban media from court

Around 11.20 pm several policemen came into the room of the CBI Special Court and physically removed all mediapersons from there.

While the police said they were not answerable to the media,most officials cited the District Judge order issued on January 25,which asked for barring “entry of vehicles and cameras in the court premises”. The order came after Rajesh Talwar was attacked inside Ghaziabad court premises.

The district police chief,however,defended the action. “We feel that presence of media can lead to deterioration of the law-and-order situation. There are several important cases under trial and media presence leads to crowding of the court which allows anti social elements to enter easily,” said Raghubir Lal,Senior Superintendent of Police,Ghaziabad.

Later in the evening,the SSP claimed that after discussions with the district judge,the authorities have decided to allow mediapersons inside the court. “We have decided that the district judge’s suggestion of deputing a single agency reporter will not ensure fair reporting. A decision has been taken to allow the media inside the court,but the cameras and OB vans will remain stationed outside and will not be allowed to enter the premises. The media allowed inside the court will have to ensure that there is no hindrance in the smooth proceedings of the court,” added the SSP.