New Delhi, July 7 (Bureau) The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will hear on Friday a plea for bail by Alt News Fact checker and co-founder Mohammed Zubair subject to clearance by the Chief Justice of India. Zubair has sought the quashing of a FIR registered against him in Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh and bail in the case. “We will list and hear the matter tomorrow subject to the clearance by the Chief Justice of India,” the apex court said. As per protocol and law, the Chief Justice is the master of roster and decides who will hear which case and when.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for Zubair, told the Supreme Court’s two-judge vacation Bench that the journalist’s job was to fact-check news. He alleged that those who deliver hate speeches had threatened Zubair with death.Gonsalves urged the Bench headed by Justice Indira Banerjee to list the matter at 2 pm on Thursday. He said the matter was very urgent.Justice Banerjee, however, said only the Chief Justice can assign the case. “List the matter tomorrow subject to clearance by the Chief Justice of India,” Justice Banerjee said. Zubair was arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity. A lower court has remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days.