Mangalore: Justice Michael Saldanha Slams Soorinje's Arrest

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Nov 28: The rejection of the bail plea with regard to the arrest of mediaperson Naveen Soorinje is a live example of the declining justice system in the Dakshina Kannada district, said Justice Michael F Saldahna, addressing a press meet on behalf of PUCL, at Hotel Woodlands here on Wednesday November 28.

"I started my career as a mediaperson. There is no such rule that mediapersons should work as 'representatives' of police. Media helps in the removal of social evils in society," he said.

"There seems to be a strong political hand and even personal grudge by the police with regard to the case. There are doubts arising about the judiciary too, as Soorinje has also been rejected the bail plea," he added.

"The judicial system is to protect the public, but in DK, it seems like the judicial system is in the hands of some influencial persons, as evident by the charges and arrests of Soorinje and, earlier, Karavali Ale editor," he alleged.

"The local police also should be ready to face judicial suspension, similarly to the officials in Mumbai in connection to the arrest of the girl who posted comments on Bal Saheb Thackeray’s funeral in Facebook," he said.

P B D'sa, PUCL president, Walter Maben, vice-president, Suresh Bhat Bakrabail, Roshan Lobo and others were present.