The Bombay High Court is hearing Republic TV’s plea challenging the investigation and criminal proceedings being conducted by the Mumbai Police in the fake TRP scam case.

The Bench presided over by Justice SS Shinde had earlier extended the protection to Republic TV employees from any coercive action by the Mumbai Police.

Hearing begins. Senior Advocate Harish Salve begins submissions on behalf of ARG Outlier, parent company of the Republic TV channels.

Salve: This plea begins with the press conference.

Salve: The next phase of this saga is when they start arresting employees and frame them. There are two dimensions. It starts with BARC employees. Then they allege that we are violating TRAI regulations.

Salve: The idea is to find something. Then we hear some nonsensical story that we have paid to somebody.

Salve: None of these remotely make an offence.

Salve: Who could get cheated? Has any advertiser said I got mislead? It is Mumbai Police which got cheated and which is the complainant.

Salve: There is another investigation in Lucknow and ED is involved in that.They have a report and if that matches what Mumbai Police is alleging then my case gets diluted.

Salve: But if they submit something that doesn’t match Mumbai Police case, then they are acting in malice. That report is of great importance.

Court: Who appears for ED?

Salve: Learned ASG appeared the last time.

ASG is in another court. His junior says he will join shortly.

Salve invites the Bench’s attention to the petition pleadings.

There is some confusion in terms of the amendment averments in the court’s copy.

ASG joins meeting. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the State, argues that ASG has no locus to appear for now.

Sibal: There is cheating and we will show.

Sibal: But My learned friend cannot say Mumbai Police has no jurisdiction now. We want to file a reply to the amendment.

Salve: Then if they file a reply till Monday then I will file my rejoinder till Thursday.

Court: Then we will keep the matter on January 29. Subject to convenience of all parties.

Salve: We will need a whole day all of us to argue. So may I request for a fixed time.

Court: Ok, then we fix it for hearing on merits.

ASG tries to make submissions. He says there is a report in sealed envelope which is to be tendered.

Sibal opposes.

Salve: I don’t understand how the State agency is trying to stop a Union agency from filing a report.

Court: The statement will have to continue Mr. Sibal.

Sibal: Yes milord. It will continue till January 29.

Court records: We are continuing the statement till January 29. And Mr Kamath? (Senior Advocate Devdutt Kamath)

Kamath: Milords we will file our reply and continue statement.

Court: We will hear all on 29 January. Please ensure the court records are set straight.

Court: We will take the status report of Mumbai Police on record.

ASG : Milords my report may be taken on record. It is in sealed cover. Milords may open it later.

Hearing ends. Matter will be listed on January 29 at 12.30 pm for final hearing.