Nilesh Navlakha moves application in Bombay High Court seeking disclosure of media sources in Sushant Singh Rajput reportage

Producer Nilesh Navlakha has moved an application in the Bombay High seeking directions for media channels to disclose the sources from where they received the alleged WhatsApp chats and statements of witnesses broadcasted during coverage in the Sushant Singh Rajput case..Navlakha has also soughtA 'judicial court monitored inquiry' to look into the misconduct of the officials of investigating agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to take strict action;Directions to the investigating agencies to take necessary action against the broadcasters arrayed as parties in his plea pending before the Bombay High Court against media trial..The application drawn by Advocates Rajesh Inamdar and Shashwat Anand and filed by Advocate Pankaj Kandhari enlists with evidence, various instances where media channels discussed highly sensitive and confidential information in connection with the ongoing criminal investigation..Navlakha contends that the channels have “made various statements based on purported disclosure statements of the accused and witnesses to the Investigating officers attributing the source to the investigating agencies.”.He has placed on record evidence of channels like Republic TV and Times Now, which have allegedly broadcasted and discussed private chats on WhatsApp, statements given to the investigating officers and the questionnaires of the investigation agencies..Navlakha points out that while the investigating agencies claim that they have not leaked any information to the channels, they have not taken any action against the media channels for broadcasting such information on prime time either..“That selective leak of sensitive information to the media amounts to manipulating public opinion by tarnishing the reputations o the individuals involved in the process of investigation.” he adds..Navlakha has already filed a plea in the Bombay High Court seeking directions to prominent televisions networks to restrict reportage that could hamper the investigation into the death of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput..Sushant Singh Rajput case: Petition filed in Bombay HC against media trials; prays for postponement of reportage that could derail probe.The Bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni are hearing his plea along with other similar petitions raising grievance against the reportage pertaining to Rajput’s death..In the previous hearing, the court directed all parties to make submissions on the adverse effects of media trial on investigations and whether the Court has the power to lay down guidelines on the issue..[Media Trial case] "Can you guarantee a police officer will not be influenced by media statement?", Bombay High Court asks.The hearing in the media trial case will continue on Friday.