Delhi HC issues notice to TV channels over Disha Ravi's plea on violating privacy

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) and some TV channels on a plea by climate activist Disha Ravi to restrain media from violating her rights to privacy and fair trial by publishing stories on alleged WhatsApp chats in the 'toolkit' case over farmer's protest.

A single judge bench of Justice Pratibha Singh sought a response from TV channels News 18, India Today and Times Now after advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for Disha, expressed concern over news reports.

Also read: Disha Ravi moves Delhi HC seeking direction to police to not leak probe material

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi police, denied any leak from them, maintaining the instant petition was filed to seek media attention.

The court posted the matter for consideration on Friday.

In her plea, Disha, arrested on February 13, asked the court to restrain Delhi Police from leaking any investigation material, including alleged contents of private chats and communication with the third parties.

Disha contended, "She is severely aggrieved and prejudiced by the media trial surrounding her arrest and the ongoing investigation."

"She is being viscerally attacked by the Delhi police and several media houses, including News 18, India Today and Times Now on the basis of leaked investigative matter and prejudicial press briefings, which is grossly violative of her right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence," her plea claimed.

The plea sought directions to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take appropriate action against a few TV channels including under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

Also read: Disha Ravi moves Delhi HC seeking direction to police to not leak probe material

Disha was arrested by the Delhi police Special Cell on February 13 from Bengaluru for her alleged role in a case related to toolkit, posted online by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg with regard to farmers protests. She is at present in police custody.

In her petition, Disha said the Union government's Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and News Broadcasting Standards Authority failed to exercise their statutory and self-regulatory powers in ensuring compliance with the Programme Code under the law and the Code of Ethics.

"The leakage and dissemination of the alleged private WhatsApp chats, the ongoing disclosure of the status of the investigation
and allegations as well as the subsequent biased and defamatory media reportage against her is illegal, false, malicious and severely compromises her rights to privacy, reputation, and fair trial," her petition said.

She also sought a direction to take down articles related to her alleged chats.