Case: Mohd Kamran vs State of Uttar Pradesh
On Monday, the Supreme Court questioned how a practicing advocate could simultaneously work as a journalist, given Bar Council rules prohibiting such dual roles. A Bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih heard an appeal challenging an Allahabad High Court order that dismissed criminal defamation proceedings against former parliamentarian Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
While agreeing to issue a notice on the appeal, the Court also questioned how the appellant could hold positions as both a practicing lawyer and a journalist.
"I do not get your professional misconduct. You say you are a lawyer as well as a journalist. See the Bar Council of India rules about this. There is complete prohibition. I am not sure, when you say you are a journalist also," Justice Oka said.
The Supreme Court was hearing an appeal against the Allahabad High Court's March 12 decision to dismiss defamation case proceedings against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former Chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and former Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP).
The defamation case involved two letters written by Singh in September 2022 to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, stating that the complainant, Mohd. Kamran, had various criminal cases pending against him.
Kamran argued that Singh labeled him as a conspirator and thief by circulating these letters on social media and newspapers, thereby damaging his image and reputation. Notably, Singh is also currently facing trial over sexual harassment allegations brought by six Indian wrestlers
On June 15, 2023, the police filed a chargesheet against Singh for offenses under Sections 354 (outraging modesty), 354A (sexually colored remarks), 354D (stalking), and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The complainants had previously approached the Supreme Court to request the registration of an FIR against Singh. Following this, the Supreme Court was informed by the Delhi Police that an FIR had been registered and that the investigation was progressing.
Singh has pleaded not guilty before the trial court.
Additionally, a minor wrestler had previously made similar allegations against Singh but later withdrew her complaint. Consequently, the Delhi Police filed a cancellation report in that case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).
TAGS: Supreme Court Journalism Duality FIR Professional Misconduct Defamation Appeal
