Narada Scam Case Hearing : CBI vs TMC MLAs - Live Updates From Calcutta High Court

Solicitor General : Lordship Justice Banerjee is audible but not visible.

Luthra : Have we heard of Meghnath from Ramayana?

Everyone laughs.

The bench has re-assembled.

Justice Arijeet Banerjee : Can we have a break for five minutes?. I want to discuss something with the Chief Justice.

The bench takes a break. Judges are discussing.

Acting Chief Justice : Can we continue tomorrow?

SG asks for day after tomorrow. "Accused are in hospital. So it can be day after tomorrow", SG says.

Luthra says one accused is in custody.

Merely because a matter has gone to Court, it will not stop democratic dissent\

Singhvi cites the example of farmers protests

Singhi says how is the issue of protest relevant anyways in bail.

"What is your lordships hearing? This is a very useful digression", Singhvi.

Singhvi : It would be negation of democracy to say that just because the matter is before court you cannot peacefully protest outside.

Acting Chief Justice : You say CM went to CBI office to protest..Gandhian protest..peaceful protest. But is it the way to respond when the matter is considered by Court? By protesting in streets.

Singhvi says there can be response both legally and democratically. The case can be fought legally on merits and the issue of political vendetta can be protested democratically, he adds.

Singhvi : My point is that the CBI is not required to take orders from CM. If CM says 'North', CBI will say 'South'.

Acting Chief Justice : You say CM went to CBI office to protest..Gandhian protest..peaceful protest. But is it the way to respond when the matter is considered by Court? By protesting in streets.

Stone-pelting is Gandhian?, asks Acting Chief Justice.

Singhvi : Certainly not. I can show video of Minister getting down from car and asking protestors to maintain calm and make way. None of these told by CBI. That is why it was important to issue notice.

Singhvi : Your lordship's question is relevant if CM had gone to the State Police office.

Acting CJ : That is not required for a CM anyway.

Singhvi : I am just giving an example.

Stone-pelting is Gandhian?, asks Acting Chief Justice.

Singhvi : Certainly not. I can show video of Minister getting down from car and asking protestors to maintain calm and make way. None of these told by CBI. That is why it was important to issue notice.