SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Before:- Dr. A.S. Anand and S. Rajendra Babu, JJ.

Petn.(s) for Spl. Leave to Appeal (Civil) No. 23360 of 1997. D/d. 1.5.1998.

Dr. Paramjit Singh Ranu - Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab and others - Respondents

For the Petitioner :- Mr. P. P. Rao, Sr. Advocate, M/s. Sanjay Sarin and Ashok Mathur, Advocates.

For the Respondent :- Mr. R.S. Sodhi, Advocate for No. 1 and Mr. S. K. Bagga, Sr. Advocate M/s. Seeraj Bagga, Tanuj Sharma and Shurestha Bagga, Advocates.

Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, Section 2(b) - Contempt Of Court - Civil contempt - publication of news item by reporting incorrect and misleading news regarding Supreme Court order - Newspaper taking liberty with order of Supreme Court - Show cause notice issued to the Reporter as well as the Editor of the news paper.

[Paras 2 and 3]

ORDER

Our attention has been drawn to a news-item which has appeared in the Chandigarh News line published by the Indian Express Group from Chandigarh on 30-4-1998. The heading of the news-item reads "SC orders removal of homoeo council chief". The news-item is based on the report of Mr. K. B. Kapur and has Ludhiana, April 29, as the date line.

2. Not only that the heading of the news-item is absolutely incorrect and misleading even the contents are misleading. We take a very strong view of this matter. The newspaper has taken liberties with the order of the Court. The case referred to is being heard by the Bench.

3. A notice shall issue to the reporter- Mr. K. B. Kapur, to be served through the Editor, Indian Express, Chandigarh; as well as to the Editor, Indian Express, Chandigarh, to show cause why proceedings for committing contempt of Court be not initiated against them. The notice shall be made returnable within 10 days. Mr. R. S. Sodhi, learned counsel for the State of Punjab, is directed to have the notices served through the State Agency on Mr. Kapur and the Editor of the Indian Express at Chandigarh.

4. List after 10 days. Registry to give the date.

Order accordingly.