Stop talking to media or we will send you to jail, SC tells Assam NRC coordinator

New Delhi, Aug 7: The Supreme Court has come down heavily on Assam NRC coordinator Prateek Hajela and registrar, Shailesh for speaking to the media about the process that will be adopted for the finalisation of the NRC.

A Bench comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and R F Nariman said it is a fit case to hold the two officers guilty of contempt and send them to jail. The SC took a very serious note of the officers giving a detailed interview to the Indian Express and talking about the process and documents, which are to be determined by the SC.

The Bench said said it would have initiated contempt proceedings against Hajela and Shailesh had the task of initiating steps for finalisation of NRC not been at hand. "Get down to work for finalisation of NRC and never speak to media on this issue without SC's prior permission," the Bench also warned.

The court also said that the Centre has been tasked to prepare standard operating procedure for claims and objection to inclusion and non-inclusion of names in NRC, which is yet to be submitted. "How can officers appointed by SC talk about something which is to be finalised by us," the Bench also asked.

The Bench told the officials to be cautious in future and devote their time and action for preparation and publication of final NRC. Hearing on the issue would commence next on August 16.