"We will not direct any investigation against the media unless there is a direct involvement," a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said, while rejecting the PIL filed by veteran journalist Hari Jaisingh.
It seems there is a disguised attempt to curtail independence and freedom of media, the bench said, adding "this is an attack on media. We will not entertain this."
"We cannot curtail the right of the media in this manner. Media has been given an independent status in our democratic polity. Why should we entertain this," said the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and Mohan M Shantanagoudar.
However, there cannot be an investigation into the role of media as a whole, it said.
Also Read
"I am seeking a direction to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to also investigate the role of media persons in the case," she said.
Considering the arguments, the bench asked, "Is this agreement registered. What is the admissibility of the agreement as evidence."
"Freedom of media is going to be curtailed and smothered.... We will not entertain this."
The journalist in his PIL alleged that some media persons were bribed and extended unwarranted benefits in exchange for favouring the VVIP chopper deal.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content