Outlook expresses regret to M K Venu, case dropped

Following publication of the statement expressing regret, Venu has withdrawn a criminal defamation case against Outlook he filed in a Delhi court in November 2010.

"The cover image of the The 2G Scam Tapes (November 29, 2010) mistakenly included a photograph of Financial Express managing editor M K Venu with a caption that read, 'In the Ring'. This appeared to imply that he was part of a group that worked to perpetuate the then Telecom Minister A Raja in power, resulting in the scam. This was not our intention and we regret the impression created," Outlook said in a statement.

"We are happy to draw our readers' attention to M K Venu's consistent criticism of Raja's telecom policy in his various published articles since 2007. Readers will bear in mind the foregoing clarification when viewing the November 29, 2010, cover page and cover story of Outlook. Readers may also bear in mind that because of technical limitations, this clarification may not accompany every online reproduction of the story anywhere else, where Outlook may not have control. In view of a resolution of the matter and issuance of this clarification, M K Venu has withdrawn the litigation filed against Outlook," it stated.

The case, which was being heard in a magistrate's court in the Saket district court complex, was disposed Friday after the judge was satisfied that the settlement was amicable.

Venu said, "I have been pursuing this case for almost two years and am now satisfied with the outcome and the fact that Outlook has issued a formal apology."

Shut stone crushers, brick kilns in Kaziranga vicinity: Tribunal

The National Green Tribunal on Friday not only ordered immediate closure of 34 brick kilns and 11 stone crusher units set up illegally inside the 'No-development Zone (NDZ)' adjoining Kaziranga National Park in Assam, but also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on the Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Assam government for conservation and restoration of flora and fauna in the rhino habitat. An order passed by Justice A S Naidu, acting chairman, and G K Pandey, expert member of the tribunal, said while the MoEF had, on July 5, 1996 declared an NDZ around Kaziranga, there were at least 10 "illegal" stone crusher units and 33 brick kilns set up inside, violating the notification.

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