Sohrabuddin case: Trial to begin next week

In an order that has provoked criticism in legal circles,a special CBI court in Mumbai, citing security has restrained the media from publishing proceeding of the trial in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh alleged fake encounter case saying that the matter appear sensational. Special judge S J Sharma passed the order on Wednesday evening following an application filed by defense advocates seeking a complete ban on print, electronic and social media reporting on the case on the day the trial was expected to commence. Barring media coverage in a trial arises in exceptional circumstances. What is the real security problem which has arisen or is likely to arise by media reporting needs to be seen. Former Supreme Court judge P B Sawant said, if both parties are agreeable or want it and if the court feels that it is in the interest of public order that the trial should be conducted in camera, it can allow it. There is a provision in the (criminal) procedure code. It is a discretionary power. Our constitution guarantees’ freedom of the press. people have a right to know what is happening in courtrooms. Forer Bombay high court judge Hosbet Suresh said, I Think Prima Facie in a country like ours, to prevent reporting is fundamentally wrong.