Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 30: Even as BJP, through its spokesperson, S Suresh Kumar, upped the ante seeking withdrawal of  imprisonment and fine imposed on two journalists by the assembly based on recommendation of the privileges committee, no relief seems to be on the way for the two journalists held guilty in the case.

Ravi Belagere's health has shown signs of improvement and in all likelihood he might be discharged from hospital today. Belagere, who got admitted into Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hubballi on Wednesday June 28, was suffering from low blood pressure and diabetes. KIMS medical director, Dr Shivappa Anur Shettar, told reporters that a team of doctors will take a decision on Friday.

In the meanwhile, a single judge bench of the high court presided over by Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri, which is hearing a petition filed by both the journalists, heard arguments and counter arguments for over an hour on Thursday before adjourning the hearing to Friday. It asked additional advocate general of the state, A S Ponnanna, to get brief from the government on how to settle this case from social angle. The court observed that the house has to meet if the controversial decision is to be reversed, and that till then the speaker has the right to either withhold or keep the order in abeyance. Therefore the bench sought opinion of the government on this issue. The judge opined that the petitioners were also to blame for not appearing before the privileges committee in spite of issuance of repeated notices. At the same time, the judge thought that overcoming the fourth estate by the legislature might not be justifiable.

When advocate for petitioners sought stay order against immediate arrest of his clients, the bench felt that such an order would not be necessary as the government may not take any forcible steps when the case is before the court.