Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 23: Journalists, Anil Raj and Ravi Belagere, have approached the state high court with petitions questioning the state assembly's decision to confirm the sentences of one year's imprisonment and fine of Rs 10,000 imposed on them over publication of defamatory reports.

Their applications might be taken up for consideration on Thursday or Friday. The journalists have named speaker of the assembly, Koliwad, privileges committee,and MLA, S R Vishwanath as defendants.

The petitioners said that the privileges committee had taken a decision on June 21 over the quantum of sentence and fine. This was questioned in high court. The court had ordered the journalists to appear before the speaker. The journalists obeyed this order, and requested for reviewing of the decision. They argue that confirming the sentence without listening to their arguments is against Indian constitution. They have sought interim stay against the implementation of the decision and to annul it.