NEW DELHI: The Mumbai police has informed the Bombay high court that it has found serious evidence against Republic TV and its editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami in the alleged TRP manipulation racket.

However, on request of Republic TV’s lawyer, the bench adjourned the hearing in the TRP case to 15 January. The court was hearing the plea filed by Republic TV challenging the FIR and charge sheet filed by Mumbai police in relation to the alleged ratings scam.

Advocate Niranjan Mundargi, appearing for ARG Outlier led by senior advocate Ashok Mundargi, requested the court for time due to some medical emergency in his family.

In reaction, Mumbai police’s counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned that they have found some serious evidence on record through their investigation with BARC, and therefore, did not want to continue granting them any protection from any coercive action. He insisted that the matter may not be adjourned any further than 15 January. 

He also told the HC that the police will submit a status report of its probe in the case on the next date of hearing. Sibal also agreed to continue with the previous assurance that no coercive actions would be taken against either Arnab Goswami or any employee of Republic till the next date of hearing.

The alleged scam came to light last year when ratings agency BARC filed a complaint through Hansa Research Group, saying certain television channels were rigging TRP numbers.

At a press conference held on 8 October 8 2020, Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh claimed that Republic TV and two Marathi channels - Box Cinema and Fakt Marathi - were involved in manipulating TRP for better advertisement revenue.

Republic TV and other accused have denied any wrongdoing and manipulation of ratings.