Order

Taking note of a news item reading “SC orders removal of homoeo coun­cil chief”, in the Chandigarh Newsline published by the Indian Express Group, Chandigarh on 30.4.1998, this Court on May 1, 1998, being of the view that not only the heading of the news item was absolutely incorrect and misleading but even the contents were misleading and the news item had been published while the matter was pending in this Court, issued notice to the Reporter-Mr. K.B. Kapur as well as the Editor of the Indian Express, Chandigarh to show cause why proceedings for committing contempt of court be not initiated against them. In response to the notice, both the respondents are present in Court along with their learned counsel Mr. Jaitley. At the request of the Court, the learned Solicitor General is also present to assist the Court.

2. The contemnors have filed their reply affidavits admitting their mistake and serious lapse, and have tendered unconditional apology to this Court. It has also been brought to our notice by Mr. Jaitley that as early as on May 4, 1998 an apology had been published in the Chand­igarh Newsline, which reads thus :

“An Apology

It has come to the notice of this paper that th