PIL seeking investigation of Patiala self-immolation case dismissed

New Delhi, Jul 4 (UNI) The Supreme Court today dismissed a PIL seeking directions to the Union Government and the state of Punjab to investigate the incident of self-immolation in which one Gopal Krishna Kashyap immolated himself in full public view at Patiala on Janury 24, 2006.

The petitioner Ashok Mehto had also sought directions from the court to impose certain restrictions on electronic media who 'encourage and abbet such incidents' to enhance their viewership.

The incident of self-immolation by Kashyap was repeatedly telecast live by NDTV, AaJ Tak and Star News.

Kashyap, in full public view had set himself afire and nobody from the large crowd including policemen and the mediapersons tried to prevent him.

The petitioner had also pleaded for initiation of criminal proceedings against the authorities and the mediapersons present, especially people from the electronic media.

A bench comprising Justices KG Balakrushnan and D K Jain however directed the petitioner to approach the Press Council of India.

Kashyap had immolated himself as the Patiala Municipal Corporation had not alloted iron sheds to 'rehriwallahs' in the district.

UNI AKS/SC SB HT1435