NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to exempt noted writer Arundhati Roy from appearing before Bombay high court to face contempt proceedings for allegedly criticizing high court for denying bail to Delhi University Professor G N SaibabaA bench headed by Justice J S Khehar said that Roy should not be afraid of appearing before court. Roy is to appear before high court on Monday in a contempt case initiated for raising voice on why 90% disabled professor was denied bail when accused and convict in Gujarat riots were granted bail.
“There is no big deal in appearing before court. You should not have fear to appear in court. We appreciate what you are saying and we are here to hear your case,” the bench said.
The bench also agreed to hear bail plea of Saibaba and sought response from Maharashtra government within two weeks.
Roy was issued criminal contempt notice by the Bombay high court in December for her views on the arrest of Saibaba and the rejection of his bail plea.
