BENGALURU: Two journalists facing the wrath of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, got temporary relief from the state High Court as it asked Speaker KB Koliwad to convene a session and reconsider the order. During the hearing of a joint petition filed by journalists Ravi Belagere, editor of weekly tabloid Hi Bangalore, and Anil Raj, editor of local publication Yelahanka Voice, the court observed that if the legislators still need to pursue this in court, they can opt for a defamation case. With the decision at an impasse, the HC adjourned the hearing on Sunday.
However, Additional Advocate General AS Ponnanna told the court that both the journalists would have to appear before the Speaker and submit a formal appeal for any reconsideration. It was assured that they won't be arrested if they do so.
The Karnataka Assembly, on June 21, had convicted the two editors of breach of privilege for writing defamatory articles that made personal attacks against three MLAs. They were sentenced to one year in jail and a fine of Rs 10,000 was also imposed on them. Two days after the Legislature’s order was passed, the ruling Congress was worried whether this would be seen as a serious infringement on the freedom of the press. This is the first time that the Karnataka Assembly has ordered a jail term for journalists.
