What’s the law in India about the press publishing documents that have been stolen if they haven’t been involved in the theft? I know we have First Amendment protection here (although it’s not absolute), but what’s Indian law on that?
There’s a scandal involving Essar Group, with the media reporting revelations as a whistleblower leak.
NDTV reports Essar Group is trying two defenses: the material was fabricated, or it was stolen. Either way, Essar Group claims, it can’t be published:
NEW DELHI: After a newspaper report today cited a series of emails revealing alleged favours granted by the Essar Group to politicians, bureaucrats and journalists in exchange for information, the company has come out with a statement denying any wrongdoing.
Following is the full text of their statement:
We are a law abiding company and responsible corporate citizen and have not indulged in any wrong doing.
The News Paper article and media news are based on the information that is stolen or fabricated. We have initiated legal action and a compliant has been filed against the suspected individuals responsible for act of stealing and fabricating document from a private corporate organization which is as much an offense as theft from Government department. Possession thereof constitutes receiving and dealing with stolen information which is punishable offense.
The inferences being drawn from the information being published are completely false and incorrect.