High Court Issues Notice To Media Houses On Plea To Take Down 'Leaked List' Of Allegedly Corrupt Haryana Govt Officers

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notice to The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and several other media houses on a petition seeking removal of a 'leaked list' that names several Haryana government officials allegedly involved in corruption.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry issued notice to newspapers Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Dainik Bhaskar, The Tribune, Jagran Prakashan Limited and asked them to file a para wise reply.

The plea, filed by Sahibjeet Singh Sandhu through Advocate Ishani Goyal, claims that irreparable harm has been caused to the fundamental rights of 370 Patwaris and 170 private individuals, who were collectively labeled as "corrupt" following the circulation of a list titled "Regarding Corrupt Patwaris in the Revenue Department," allegedly issued by Haryana's Revenue Department.

It was submitted that the publication of the list, which is unsubstantiated and premature, is violative of principles of natural justice and has tarnished the reputation and dignity of those named, while causing mental agony to their families.

The plea adds that labelling of individuals as "corrupt" without any adjudication, inquiry, or opportunity for them to be heard constitutes an arbitrary and unconstitutional act, violating their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. Despite the confidential nature of the list, the Revenue Department failed to prevent its unauthorized disclosure, the petitioner submitted.

During the hearing, counsel appearing for Haryana Government Addl. AG Deepak Balyan submitted that disciplinary proceeding has been initiated against three officers who were found responsible in leaking the confidential list. However, when the Court asked whether the list has been removed from the public domain, he responded that the State has no control over private parties (newspapers).

While listing the matter for November 7, the Court issued notices to the newspapers.

Title: Sahibjeet Singh Sandhu v. State of Haryana & Ors.