Curbs on media coverage of 'accountability' panel's work

The government told the Supreme Court Wednesday that there would be curbs on publishing in media the proceedings of the proposed Accountability Commission to look into the allegations of "misbehaviour, incapacity, impropriety or irregularity" of CBI employees.

In a 41-page affidavit filed in the court's registry, the government said it would amend the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DSPE Act) to create the commission which will have three whole-time members from among retired judges of the apex court or high courts.

It said the proceedings before the Accountability Commission would be held back from going to media without the prior permission of the panel.

The proposed commission is one of the amendments that government has decided to introduce in keeping with May 8 directions of the apex court, which asked it what steps it intended to take to uphold the CBI's autonomy and to insulate it from political and bureaucratic interference.

A complainant having a grievance against a CBI employee would be allowed to move the commission only after approaching the CBI director with his complaint.