Pegasus: SC takes exception to parallel debates

A bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana, which said it would take a call on August 16 on whether to issue notice to the Centre on pleas seeking probe into the Pegasus row, said it is not against debate but when the matter is pending in the apex court it should be deliberated upon here.

The bench, also comprising justices Vineet Saran and Surya Kant, said it expects that petitioners who are interested in the matter would answer whatever queries the court would put to them by way of proper debate “in the court and not outside”. “See, once you come to this court, we expect that debate is taking place here and we expect that they will answer the questions,” the bench told the counsel appearing for the petitioners, adding, “They must have some faith in the system”.

It observed that instead of having a “parallel proceeding or parallel debate”, whatever the petitioners want to say, they can file affidavit in the court and the bench would go through its each and every content.