TRP manipulation case: Give three-day notice to Arnab Goswami in case of his arrest, HC tells Mumbai Police

The police told the court that it will complete the probe against Republic TV within three months.

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Republic TV Editor-In-Chief Arnab Goswami (File photo)

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday passed an interim order stating that the Mumbai Police should give a three-day notice to Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami if they want to arrest him in the TRP scam case. Police told the court that they will complete the probe against petitioner Republic TV within three months.

A division bench of Justice S S Shinde and Justice Manish Pitale was hearing a plea filed by ARG Outlier Media, which runs Republic TV and other channels, and Goswami challenging the police probe, FIR, court proceedings and chargesheets. The petitioners have also sought a transfer of the same to Central Bureau of Investigation or any other independent agency.

Senior counsel Ashok Mundargi, appearing for ARG Outlier Media, said while other channels have also been named, police were only interrogating Republic TV employees and the channel’s role. He added that though the Mumbai Police has been investigating for nearly four months, it has been unable to get any evidence to book Goswami or the channel.

On Wednesday, chief public prosecutor Deepak Thakare submitted that the investigation will be completed within 12 weeks. The court admitted the petition and said the state will have to give a three-day notice (excluding holidays) to Goswami in case of his arrest, in view of “serious malafide” alleged by him against the police.

The court noted that the investigation cannot be stayed right now as there is no clarity on who the accused is.

Posting the matter for further hearing on June 28, the court directed Goswami to cooperate with the investigation till then.

The High Court, while admitting the petition by ARG Outlier Media, noted in the order, “We direct that in case the investigating officer desires to summon the petitioner Goswami for inquiry/investigation, he shall give clear notice of three days (excluding holidays) to him.”

Omkar Gokhale

Omkar Gokhale is a journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates exceptionally strong Expertise and Authority in legal and judicial reporting, making him a highly Trustworthy source for developments concerning the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court in relation to Maharashtra and its key institutions. Expertise & Authority Affiliation: Reports for The Indian Express, a national newspaper known for its rigorous journalistic standards, lending significant Trustworthiness to his legal coverage. Core Authority & Specialization: Omkar Gokhale's work is almost exclusively dedicated to the complex field of legal affairs and jurisprudence, specializing in: Bombay High Court Coverage: He provides detailed, real-time reports on the orders, observations, and decisions of the Bombay High Court's principal and regional benches. Key subjects include: Fundamental Rights & Environment: Cases on air pollution, the right to life of residents affected by dumping sites, and judicial intervention on critical infrastructure (e.g., Ghodbunder Road potholes). Civil & Criminal Law: Reporting on significant bail orders (e.g., Elgaar Parishad case), compensation for rail-related deaths, and disputes involving high-profile individuals (e.g., Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty). Constitutional and Supreme Court Matters: Reports and analysis on key legal principles and Supreme Court warnings concerning Maharashtra, such as those related to local body elections, reservations, and the creamy layer verdict. Governance and Institution Oversight: Covers court rulings impacting public bodies like the BMC (regularisation of illegal structures) and the State Election Commission (postponement of polls), showcasing a focus on judicial accountability. Legal Interpretation: Reports on public speeches and observations by prominent judicial figures (e.g., former Chief Justice B. R. Gavai) on topics like free speech, gender equality, and institutional challenges. Omkar Gokhale's consistent, focused reporting on the judiciary establishes him as a definitive and authoritative voice for legal developments originating from Mumbai and impacting the entire state of Maharashtra. ... Read More

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