"It is clear that the State is acting in malice": Salve argues for Arnab Goswami, hearing before Bombay High Court adjourned to tomorrow

Arnab Goswami's incarceration in judicial custody in relation to the abetment to suicide case of interior designer Anvay Naik will continue, as the Bombay High Court adjourned the hearing of his habeas corpus plea to tomorrow..The Court will continue the hearing in Goswami's plea challenging his arrest by the Maharashtra Police in connection with a 2018 suicide abetment case tomorrow at 12 pm..Goswami was arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with the abetment to suicide case of Naik and his mother Kumud Naik. Naik had named Goswami and two others in his suicide note alleging that they had failed to pay up money owed for the work done by Naik's company. .Stating that it needs to hear submissions by the other side in the matter, the High Court proceeded to fix the case for further hearing at 12 pm on Saturday, with the consent of the parties. .Senior Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Goswami today, asserted that the state government was acting in malice against his client..Referring to various recent events including the TRP scam, the breach of privilege proceedings initiated by the Maharashtra Assembly, and his arrest in a 2018 suicide abetment case, Salve contended,.Supreme Court hears Arnab Goswami's plea challenging Maharashtra Assembly's breach of privilege notice against him [LIVE UPDATES]."It is our case that it is a continuing case of harassing the petitioner. The police was trying to secure police remand. I am sure they put their best foot forward."."My petition has express allegations that a case which was closed has been re-opened with malicious intentions....It is clear that the State is acting in malice. There are multiple FIRs,"Senior Advocate Harish Salve.Goswami was placed in 14-day judicial remand on Wednesday, although the Magistrate rejected the plea by the Mumbai Police for police custody. .During the course of his arguments, Salve also highlighted that the Hansa Research Group has moved the Bombay High Court claiming that the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has been harassing them to incriminate Republic TV in the TRP scam..TRP scam: Hansa Research moves Bombay HC, claims harassment by Crime Branch to make false statements against Republic TV.Salve further pointed out that the non-payment of dues would only result in a civil dispute. .Referring to the suicide abetment case, Salve argued, "We do not know the curious circumstances of the suicide. Nobody has established that there is illegal omission.".He added, "In these circumstances there is no need for incarceration. Milords may hear all parties after affidavits are filed, but he need not be kept in detention.".The Bench of Justices SS Shinde and MS Karnik, however, expressed reservations about whether it would have the power to release Goswami on bail, as it was not assigned to deal with bail matters. The Court orally remarked, "We hear you, but our assignment does not allow us to hear bail applications... Maybe move a precipe with the administrative side and get this reassigned.".Salve responded that the Bench has sufficient powers under Article 226 of the Constitution, coupled with Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). He submitted,"Milords I am challenging the proceedings, the initiation of proceedings. But the High Court has powers even under Article 226 to grant bail.... Those Constitutional powers Milords have.".He added, ."... my point is why should he be in jail? This is a matter of 2019. Nothing has happened from 2019 to today, what will happen now and from now to Diwali?... Whether he will go on his channel and say things against Parambir Singh (Commissioner of Mumbai Police)? Yes he will. But will that hamper this investigation? No.".The Bench today also queried why a habeas corpus petition has been filed in the matter."Because Milords when we approached this Court, he was in illegal detention. Technically, habeas corpus may not lie because there is an order of Magistrate for judicial custody. But then, the challenge to the FIR remains", Salve responded..Senior Advocate Aabad Ponda also weighed in, informing the Court that a bail application was earlier moved before a lower court. He said,"We had submitted the bail application, but then the Magistrate said reply can be filed in due course, which could have gone till the end of 14 days. So we submitted a purshis (written statement) and withdrew the application.".After hearing the arguments today, the Court proceeded to adjourn the matter for further hearing tomorrow. .The Bench has asked all parties to limit their submissions tomorrow to the interim application for bail moved in the case..Goswami has also sought an urgent interim stay on the investigation in FIR (CR. no. 59 of 2018) registered at Alibaug Police Station, accusing him of abetment to suicide of interior designer Anvay Naik. .Read a live account of the hearing today:.Arrest of Arnab Goswami: Bombay High Court hears habeas corpus plea [LIVE UPDATES]