New Delhi: Vikas Yadav, who was awarded a life sentence in the high-profile Nitish Katara murder case has approached the Supreme Court and asked for his case to be transferred out of Delhi.
He has said that there is too much of a media trial in the Capital, which is influencing the outcome of his case. The accused has suggested Jodhpur as option.
Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatagi, appearing for Vikas Yadav, made the allegation before the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam.
Though the judges told the petitioner's counsel that media was everywhere and would be tough to avoid even outside Delhi, they directed the Government counsel to file a response to the petition seeking transfer of the appeal to any High Court outside Delhi.
Kamini Jaiswal, counsel for Neelam Katara - Nitish Katara's mother - however, opposed the petition on the grounds that allegations against media were being made without making any television channel or newspaper party to the petition and the right to information was integral part of fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression in the country.
The apex court meanwhile has issued notices to the Delhi and UP governments and has granted them three weeks time to file their response.
According to the prosecution, Katara, a business executive, was killed by the accused, as they did not approve of their sister, Bharti Yadav’s growing proximity with him. The brothers allegedly bludgeoned him with a hammer and then poured kerosene on him and burnt him alive.
On May 28 2008, the Yadav cousins were pronounced guilty for the kidnapping and murder of Katara six years ago. They were also declared guilty of destruction of evidence. They were held guilty under Section 302, 364, 201 and 34 of the IPC.
Two days later, the quantum of the punishment was announced and the duo were sentenced to life imprisonment. They were also fined Rs 1.6 lakh each.
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