Ratan Tata, Right to privacy, Media ownership and Governmental inefficiency

Ratan Tata continues to be a victim of government's inefficiency (or is it a deliberate ploy of the government?). His conversations with Niira Radia which were tapped by the government while monitoring the latter's conduct are in the public domain causing deep embarrassment to Tata. Government should have ensured  that the tapes did not fall into unintended hands. It is most unfortunate that the government bungled over the issue.

Once the media got hold of the conversations it could not be expected not to make them public. Media cannot be held accountable for government's mishandling, deliberate or otherwise. However the government is answerable to Tata. One can understand Tata's discomfiture and annoyance.

Unfortunately Tata is barking up the wrong tree. He has started questioning the conflict of interest arising from ownership control of some sections of the media by some business groups. His argument that "the right to freedom of expression cannot be a euphemism for waging surrogate corporate wars" is over the top. Paranoia is a near cousin of sensitiveness.

One hopes that the Supreme Court which is seized of the matter will pass strictures on the government for its irresponsible behaviour in the matter.