SC issues notices to government, magazines on Radia tape leaks

The Supreme Court today issued notices to the various government departments and some magazines on a petition filed by Tata group chairman Ratan Tata urging an inquiry into the leak of his conversation with corporate lobbyist Nira Radia and to stop further release of the tapes.

The court also issued notices to the 'Open' and 'Outlook' magazines, which published transcripts of conversations between Radia and Tata.

In his petition, Ratan Tata has sought the apex court's directions to the union home secretary, the CBI and the income tax department over the leaks.

The Supreme Court has given the government departments and magazines 10 days to reply to Tata's petition.

Tata has also sought court action against those involved in the leak, as that amounted to infringement of his rights to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution and the larger fundamental Right to Life itself.