I've right to privacy and media can't violate it: Tata to SC

Tata group chief Ratan Tata today submitted to the Supreme Court that despite being a public figure he has the right to privacy and the media cannot violate it by publishing or telecasting his private conversations contained in Radia tapes.

"I am entitled to the freedom of privacy and the right to privacy. I have a right to be left alone," advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Tata, said before a Bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi.

"Does public figure have no private life? There has to be responsible journalism. There is a difference between public interest and interest of public which includes gossips," Rohatgi said while pointing out that the media should not have broadcast and publish his private conversations.

"No body has the right to disseminate my private conversations," he further said.

The court was hearing Tata's petition seeking action against those involved in the leakage of the tapes alleging the leakage amounts to infringement of his fundamental right to Life, which includes the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.