SC seeks Centre's response on 'misuse' of Official Secrets Act

(PTI: File Photo)

New Delhi: On Monday, the alleged misuse of draconian Official Secrets Act (OSA) by the government authorities has come under judicial scanner as the apex court agreed to examine the issue and sought response from the Centre. The matter needed to be examined and issued notice to Centre and Army on a plea filed by journalist Poonam Agrawal, who is facing charges under OSA for doing a sting operation, said a bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar. Appearing for Agrawal, senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, contended that the provisions of OSA were being misused and could not be invoked against her for protecting "delinquent Army officers". Working as an associate editor at The Quint, Agarwal, did a sting operation in which Lance Naik Roy Mathew criticised the sahayak system in the Indian Army and following the release of the sting video clip, Lance Naik Mathew allegedly committed suicide. Subsequently, under sections of the OSA, Agarwal was booked by Nashik police and those relating to criminal trespass and abetment to suicide under the IPC. Agarwal, challenging the FIR, pleaded the apex court to frame guidelines to prevent abuse of the OSA, which not only impinges upon fundamental rights but also curbs journalistic freedom.