SC Dismisses PIL Against Journalists in AgustaWestland Scam

The apex court said that the media’s independence can’t be curtailed on the basis of mere allegations.

An Agusta-Westland AW139 helicopter. (Photo: Reuters)

• On Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed a PIL on the investigation of journalists in AugustaWestland scam case.
• It said that the independence of media cannot be curtailed on the basis of mere allegations. The apex court called the PIL an attack on media, which would smother the media’s independence.
• Indian media and certain prominent journalists came under the scanner for allegedly receiving pay-offs and favours from AgustaWestland, for publishing favourably on the chopper deal.

(With inputs from agencies)