<p>The Delhi High Court today said that some media houses "deliberately" published and telecast allegations against former Supreme Court judge Swatanter Kumar despite its order barring the same.<br /><br />Justice Manmohan Singh also warned that if he feels the court's order is not being complied with appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.<br /><br />"They (some newspapers and television channels) knew of the January 16 order, but they are deliberately doing it (publishing the allegations). They should comply with court order. If I feel order is not being complied with, I will take appropriate action," the judge said and listed the matter for further hearing on August 28.<br /><br />The court clarified that whatever happens in court may be published, adding there should be fair reporting.<br /><br />The observations were made while hearing a defamation suit filed by Justice Swatanter Kumar against a woman lawyer and some media houses for allegations of sexual harassment made against him.<br /><br />Justice Kumar had also demanded Rs five crore as damages from the woman lawyer and three media groups that publicised her complaint.<br /><br />The court also said that it will be passing a detailed order on the woman lawyer's plea seeking deferring of the suit on the ground that she has filed a petition in the apex court seeking transfer of the case to Bangalore.<br /><br />During the day's brief proceedings, counsel appearing for Justice Kumar contended that the court's January 16 order barring publication and telecast of the woman lawyer's allegation against him was violated.</p>.<p>It prompted the court to suggest that the plaintiff (Justice Kumar) can either file a contempt plea or wait and see what the apex court says in the transfer petition. <br /></p>
<p>The Delhi High Court today said that some media houses "deliberately" published and telecast allegations against former Supreme Court judge Swatanter Kumar despite its order barring the same.<br /><br />Justice Manmohan Singh also warned that if he feels the court's order is not being complied with appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.<br /><br />"They (some newspapers and television channels) knew of the January 16 order, but they are deliberately doing it (publishing the allegations). They should comply with court order. If I feel order is not being complied with, I will take appropriate action," the judge said and listed the matter for further hearing on August 28.<br /><br />The court clarified that whatever happens in court may be published, adding there should be fair reporting.<br /><br />The observations were made while hearing a defamation suit filed by Justice Swatanter Kumar against a woman lawyer and some media houses for allegations of sexual harassment made against him.<br /><br />Justice Kumar had also demanded Rs five crore as damages from the woman lawyer and three media groups that publicised her complaint.<br /><br />The court also said that it will be passing a detailed order on the woman lawyer's plea seeking deferring of the suit on the ground that she has filed a petition in the apex court seeking transfer of the case to Bangalore.<br /><br />During the day's brief proceedings, counsel appearing for Justice Kumar contended that the court's January 16 order barring publication and telecast of the woman lawyer's allegation against him was violated.</p>.<p>It prompted the court to suggest that the plaintiff (Justice Kumar) can either file a contempt plea or wait and see what the apex court says in the transfer petition. <br /></p>