Supreme Court Expresses Dipleasure Over False Tweet By Times Now Claiming CJI Met Lakhimpur Kheri Victims

New Delhi: Expressing displeasure over a tweet posted by Times Now which falsely claimed that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana had met the kin of victims of the Lakhmipur Kheri violence, the Supreme Court on Friday said it respects the media and their independence but this is “not at all fair”.

The apex court, which was hearing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence matter, termed the tweet very unfortunate and said the media should verify the facts.

“We are sorry to observe that somebody is exceeding the limit of freedom of speech. They should verify the facts. These are all false representations which is being done,” said a bench, comprising the CJI and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli.

The issue cropped up when an advocate told the bench that on Thursday, a media organisation had posted a tweet which said the CJI had met the kin of victims of Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

“All of us are at the receiving end of irresponsible tweets. I have seen some about myself also”, said senior advocate Harish Salve, who was appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government.

CJI Ramana said “they must have some sense because I was sitting in the court. How can I go to Lucknow and visit the family”.

“It is part and parcel of public life. Let it be,” he added

“We respect the media and their independence but this is not the way to cross it. This is not at all fair”, Justice Kohli said.

The top court said it is not satisfied with the steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case in which eight persons were killed on October 3. (Agencies)