TRP Scam: Partho Dasgupta’s bail plea adjourned to February 15

The Bombay High Court has adjourned ex Broadcast Audience Reasearch Council India chief executive officer Partho Dasgupta bail plea in the TRP investigation to February 15. Dasgupta would be first required to withdraw his petition submitted to the Supreme Court. The counsel for Dasgupta stated that the petition was filed on health grounds and not on merit.

Special public prosecutor said that despite Dasgupta side informing about withdrawing the petition on February 2, it was still pending. The prosecutor further accused Dasgupta’s side of forum shopping where the litigants have their legal case heard in the court thought most likely to provide a favourable judgment. Dasgupta’s counsel denied the charges.

The SC hearing of Dasgupta happened via video conference where counsel had sought two week adjournment to file an application for amendment. The matter was listed after counsel made a telephonic request. However, counsel argued that as the advocate on record at the SC was instructed to withdraw it. Counsel informed the court that the plea was filed while Dasgupta was in the hospital last month during custody on urgent health grounds.

The sessions court rejected Dasgupt’s plea who is now seeking bail on both health and merit of the case on February 15.