Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt to hear petitions challenging the Union Govt's decision to block the controversial BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 2002 Gujarat riots #BBCDocumentary @BBC

Advocate ML Sharma has challenged the ban as "malafide, arbitrary, and unconstitutional" #BBCDocumentary #SupremeCourt

barandbench.com/news/bbc-docum…

#SupremeCourt will also hear plea by Advocate Prashant Bhushan, Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra and journalist N Ram have challenging Central government orders to block the #BBCDocumentary @pbhushan1 @MahuaMoitra @nramind

barandbench.com/news/litigatio…

#SupremeCourt bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna to shortly hear the case #BBCDocumentary @BBC

Hearing starts

#BBCDocumentary
@BBC #SupremeCourt

Sr Adv CU Singh: this is a case where emergency powers invoked without putting orders in public domain.. tweets have been blocked

#BBCDocumentary
@BBC #SupremeCourt

SC: Why not the high court first?

Singh: all matters where intermediary rules of IT is under challenge, Centre has filed a transfer plea here

Justice Sanjiv Khanna: please switch off light in someones mobile ..it is coming in my eye

#BBCDocumentary
@BBC #SupremeCourt

SC: Is the blocking under the same IT intermediary rules?

Singh: Yes, these are the orders ..these rules have been struck down by Madras HC..

SC: Issue notice.. list in April 2023

#BBCDocumentary
@BBC #SupremeCourt

Singh: on basis of the secret order, universities etc are facing actions... we need a shorter date..

SC: There needs to be reply ..rejoinder. counter to be filed within 3 weeks from service of notice and 2 weeks thereafter for rejoinder

#BBCDocumentary
@BBC #SupremeCourt

SC: It is also a fact that people have been accessing those programs

Singh: we live in a nation where there are lakhs of officials.. students are being rusticated

SC: We are on the legal issue. we are giving shortest date

#BBCDocumentary
@BBC #SupremeCourt

SC: Can we allow the interim prayer without hearing them? We direct respondents to produce original records in next date of hearing

Singh: rule requires 48 hours..

SC: we have given shortest date. thank you. In April

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@BBC #SupremeCourt

Adv ML Sharma: they have personal grievance... but my plea is for the Citizens of India

Justice Khanna: no no.. issue notice.. tag with the earlier petition...

Hearing ends

#BBCDocumentary
@BBC
#SupremeCourt