Cash-for-warrant sting: SC wants Zee TV to apologise

NEW DELHI: Dissatisfied with the explanation offered by a private TV channel and its reporter for carrying out a sting operation allegedly showing corruption in lower judiciary, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked them to tender an "unconditional apology".

"We are not satisfied with your affidavit. We are not satisfied with your bonafide," a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said.

The expose aired on Zee TV in 2004 allegedly showed three Ahmedabad advocates taking Rs 40,000 for securing bailable warrants against former President A P J Abdul Kalam and former Chief Justice of India V N Khare, among others.

"You have given bribe to lawyers, this is not a bonafide act," the Bench, also comprising Justices R V Raveendran and J M Pancahal, said disallowing the request of advocate Gaurav Sharma to adjourn the matter as senior advocate Harish Salve, who was to appear for the journalist was not available.

"You must tender an unconditional apology," it said, reminding the channel and its reporter that they have committed a serious offence.

"Everyone in the country feels that any case can be filed by anyone," the Bench observed posting the hearing after four weeks.

The Zee TV 's sting operation named "Cash for warrant scam" allegedly showed three advocates from Ahmedabad taking Rs 40,000 for securing bailable warrants against the former President, former Chief Justice of India and former apex court Judge Justice B P Singh and Senior Counsel late R K Jain.

Taking exception to the airing of the sting, the CJI in a hearing on July 26 had said that the expose presented the picture as if the entire criminal justice system was questioned and everybody believed that this was happening including the judges.