SC takes exception to parallel Pegasus debate on social media

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 10

The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred to August 16 the hearing on petitions seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into Pegasus snooping controversy even as it took exception to parallel debates on social media and websites by some petitioners.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana adjourned the hearing to Monday after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said he needed time to take instructions in the matter.

Maintaining that it wasn’t against debates, the Bench, however, said when the matter was pending in the court, “it should be deliberated upon here” and the petitioners should observe discipline.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing noted journalist N Ram, said his client was trolled on social media after the last hearing on the issue of court proceedings related to Pegasus in California.

“This is what we are saying. We ask questions from parties. We take both parties to task. The matter should be deliberated upon here and it should not be debated on social media and websites. Parties should have faith in the system,” the Bench said.

Last week, the Bench had agreed to hear a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into Pegasus snooping controversy on August 10.