Wednesday, September 21 2005 14:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Delhi High Court today (Sept 21, 2005) issued notices to the Editors of The Times of India and Hindustan Times in connection with two separate reports on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav allegedly getting special favours and a music show organised by him turning into a sleaze party in Tihar jail, after prison authorities termed the reports as false and motivated.

A Division bench comprising Justice Manmohan Sarin and Justice Manju Goyal issued notices to Editor, The Times of India, and its correspondent concerned who wrote a story about Pappu getting special favour as the Director General (Prisons) refuted the allegation in the affidavit filed before the court.

The court also issued notices to Editor of Hindustan Times and its correspondent concerned about an alleged sleaze party in the high security jail.

The court directed the Registry to send a copy of the affidavit submitted by DG (Prisons) to the dailies and asked the said editors and correspondents to file their reply within a week. Further hearing of the case will take place on October 10.

On behalf of DG (Prisons), counsel Mukta Gupta submitted that Pappu was not getting special favours and in the last three months only 23 'mulaakats' had been allowed.

On the sleaze party, the court issued notices to the troupe 'S P Singh and company' that performed in the jail.

They have been asked to provide content and duration of their performance and script, if any.