“This may be privileged information,” argued the counsel representing the Coalition for Freedom of Speech. “We believe some of the information is fabricated and could grievously damage the reputations of parties involved. For all of the above reasons, we request an injunction preventing the news channel DETV from broadcasting any story based on this information.”
The judge looked at the counsel representing the appellants. “You call yourselves the Coalition for Freedom of Speech and here you are making an application to muzzle free speech?” he asked sarcastically.
“Your honor, freedom of speech comes with responsibility,” said their advocate. “If you give us an early hearing, we will convince you that it is not in the public interest to broadcast the story.”
The judge turned his attention to the lawyer representing DETV. “Any reasons why I should not grant an injunction?” he asked.
“Your honor,” began the counsel for DETV. “This application deserves to be treated with contempt. It is a barefaced attempt by vested interests to prevent the truth from emerging. If you do pass an order restraining DETV, you will be playing with freedom of expression and the liberty of the press.”
The graying judge looked at his wristwatch. If he passed interim orders, he could still make it to his bridge game, albeit a little late. Delay was the best way to play this.
“I need time to consider the facts of this case,” he said. “I am temporarily restraining DETV from airing the contents until Monday, at which time I shall hear detailed arguments to decide the case in finality.”
It also helped that the judge was a friend of the Chief Minister, Mohan Jaswal.
Chapter 95
GUHA SAT AT his desk surrounded by his team, the atmosphere despondent. They were still attempting to come to grips with the temporary restraining order.
“How could the judge pass such a stupid order?” asked Guha’s research assistant, chewing the end of her pencil vigorously.
“He was possibly intimidated by the powerful people who had applied for the restraining order,” said Guha, looking haggard. His customary blue jacket and red tie looked even more worn out than usual.
“Who?” asked Guha’s producer.
“Patel’s company Surgiquip,” said Guha. “Thakkar’s company ResQ…Those are obviously affected parties. I believe,” he continued, taking off his wire-framed glasses momentarily, “that it’s also possible Jaswal may have played a role by influencing the judge. After all, he is a close friend of Thakkar, and a negative disclosure about Thakkar would have serious political ramifications for Jaswal.
“In business and politics there are no permanent friends or enemies. There are only permanent interests. It is a common interest that would bring them on the same side.
“Maybe what they want is time. But time for what? What can they do to make our story weaker?”
Guha paused in thought. “I wonder…” he murmured.
“They could try smearing you,” replied the research assistant. “A hatchet job to make you sound less credible.”
“Or someone could actually use the hatchet,” said the producer, instantly regretting his words.
“Kill me?” asked Guha.
“Several people have already died,” said his producer. “You need to be careful.”
The producer avoided mentioning the fact that many media companies—including DETV—received their funds from questionable foreign sources.
“Are you asking me to avoid airing the story?” asked Guha, the anger evident in his voice.
“I’m not suggesting that,” said the producer smoothly. “I’m simply advising that you should slow down. It’s never a good idea to get emotional about news stories.”
Guha nodded. “I’ll take your advice,” he said as he wound up the meeting.
Guha’s research assistant felt a tad sorry for him. Guha was always among the last to leave the studio. Perhaps if he had a wife or family, he wouldn’t devote his entire attention to pursuing the truth relentlessly. Guha hadn’t gotten over his wife. Her photograph steadfastly remained on his shelf.
When everyone else had left, Guha quietly spoke to his research assistant. “I have decided I shall not give anyone the luxury of time,” he said.
“What do you mean? We’re legally prohibited from going to air,” she said.
“I plan to defy the court order,” said Guha, the determination in his eyes all too evident.
“It would be contempt of court. DETV could get into trouble.”
“What’s the worst that can happen?” said Guha. “I get arrested? Fine. Public opinion will force the court to release me within the day.” He got up from his desk excitedly. He was pumped up once again.
“But why the sudden urgency?” asked his assistant.
“Because DETV is trying to bury the story,” said Guha, putting a fresh lozenge into his mouth. “The longer I wait, the higher the chances that the story will never be aired.”
“How do we manage our producer?”
“He won’t know what hit him,” said Guha as he packed up. “Make preparations for a completely different subject so that everyone is caught off guard.”
Chapter 96
IT WAS BECOMING a little too easy these days. Or maybe the Deliverer was simply a genius. It was probably the latter. The Deliverer knew everything.
Over the past week he had killed so many people. With each kill, he had felt a sense of elation. And why not? He had done the world a favor in each instance! The world owed him a debt of gratitude and a medal of honor for making the world a better place.
After completing his twelfth grade at the cantonment school, he had joined the army at the age of seventeen as a soldier. He had loved every minute of his experience, surrounded by people who were bound by the call of duty. A couple of years later the war had happened and he had ended up with a bullet to his lung.
Luckily the doctor at the hospital had succeeded in patching him up, even though the wound had left him plagued with chest infections that refused to go away. It also left him with a persistent cough.
The army had no longer been an option for the Deliverer. It was almost like starting his life all over again. The newspaper stint had been just what the doctor ordered.
The Deliverer had been lucky to have survived the bullet to his lung but it had disqualified him from active duty in the armed forces. He had realized that he would soon be unemployed.