Media trial will be checked: Kataria
Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday supported the Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance 2017, which the government is likely to table on Monday in the state assembly.
The minister said since many years, Rajasthan was leading in number of cases registered through courts under Section 156(3) of CrPC.
“Of total cases registered, 36% are under 156(3). After probe final report is filed in 70-75% cases. Even Supreme Court, twice has directed - in 2015 and two months back - police has work load and innocent are getting insulted,” he said.
Kataria said the moment a case was lodged against a government employee, media trial is started - be the person is guilty or innocent.
“There is no exemption under corruption cases - Rajasthan is in top five states to crack down on corruption. In recent times, 818 traps were done, which included three IAS officers, retired secretary,” he said.
The minister, addressing newspersons, said nobody was above the Supreme Court, which too has stated that action under 156(3) should be taken after concrete evidence; affidavit from complainant, which if found wrong then a criminal case against him.
Citing his example, Kataria said, “In Sohrabuddin case, the media trial was started as if, I had killed him. Whereas in reality there was no evidence against me.” “The move aims to curb misuse of the CrPC section 156(3). IT does not aim to safeguard none,” said the minister.
Kataria informed that celebrating the birthday of former vice persident Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, 11 senior MLA and MPs , who have been elected six times or more, will be feliciated on Monday by Sunder Singh Bhandari Charitable trust.
Chief Guest of the event will be chief minister Vasundahra Raje.
JAIPUR: