HC stays in-cammera hearing on bail plea of ex-raw man

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today stayed a lower court's order for an in-camera hearing over an anticipatory bail application of former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) official V K Singh facing allegations of writing classified information in his controversial book.

Mr Singh has moved the court following an order by Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Kapoor on April 11 calling for an "in-camera" hearing on CBI's request.

Hearing Singh's counsel Anup Khullar, Justice G S Sistani ordered stay on for the in-camera hearing.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) howerver, had submitted before the court that the proceedings of the case should be conducted in-camera because of the "nature of the sensitivity" of the matter.

The information, which was incorporated in the book "India's External Intelligence: Secrets of RAW" was detrimental to the safety and security of the country, according to the CBI.

However, Mr Khullar pleaded before the court that the Government had not banned the book and the orders of the lower court was against the freedom of the Press, and the CBI wanted to gag the Press and impose limitations on its right to Information.

The CBI has chargesheeted Mr Singh for alleged wrongful communication of information. It has also lleged Mr Singh being indulged in activities prejudicial to the safety or interests of the nation.

UNI SSS PY GC1828