Kathua case: Aggrieved with misinformation campaign, prosecution to raise the issue with Judge

Peeved over “misinformation campaign” launched by the defence in the Kathua gang-rape trial, the prosecution has decided to take up the matter with the Court.

People with knowledge of the matter told ET that the prosecution will urge the Court to issue directions to the defence to refrain from briefing to the media.

As per the Supreme Court directions, the proceedings are in-camera proceedings and its contents cannot be revealed. ET has reliably learnt that the Crime Branch is also likely to issue a press release in this regard.


As per available information, the prosecution had earlier also verbally taken up the matter with the Court after one of the defence counsel during the lunch break was seen sending “breaking news” through Whatsapp to media persons. The matter was immediately brought to the notice of the Court by one of the prosecutors after which the defene counsel had assured to refrain from doing so in future.

However, the prosecution is aggrieved with the conduct of one of the defence counsels A K Sawhney, who according to the agency is briefing the media on daily basis outside the Court room daily after Court proceedings.

“The sanctity of in-camera proceedings need to be respected and preserved. No counsel or official is allowed to divulge the Court proceedings to anyone, least of all to the media. We had tried our best to ignore this but it has been observed that misinformation is being spread by the defence counsel”, said one of the senior officials’ privy to the development.

He added “such misinformation is resulting in demoralising the witnesses who are yet to be examined. It is for the Court to examine the evidence and deliver a judgment. No person should be allowed to influence the trial”.

The Kathua rape trial is being conducted on day-to-day basis in Pathankot by the District and Sessions Judge.