New Delhi :In an interim relief to the Punjab Kesari newspaper group, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Punjab government not to take any coercive steps against its publication and ordered that its printing press be allowed to function uninterruptedly.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant granted the relief after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi made an urgent oral mentioning on behalf of the newspaper management, even as the Punjab and Haryana High Court is yet to pronounce its verdict in the matter.
Rohatgi submitted that soon after Punjab Kesari published articles critical of the Punjab government, a series of coercive actions were initiated against the media group. These included disconnection of electricity, issuance of notices by the Punjab Pollution Control Board, closure of the printing press, sealing of hotels run by the group, and registration of FIRs.
“All this happened within a matter of two days because we published articles that were not favourable to the dispensation in Punjab,” Rohatgi told the court. He added that the printing press, operational for nearly two decades, was ordered to be shut immediately on allegations of pollution violations.
Observing that “a newspaper cannot be stopped,” the CJI-led Bench directed that the printing press be allowed to operate. However, it clarified that with respect to other commercial establishments of the group, including hotels, the status quo would be maintained for the time being.
The Supreme Court ordered that, “without prejudice to the rights of both sides, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the printing press of Punjab Kesari newspaper shall continue to function uninterruptedly.” The interim arrangement will remain in force for one week after the Punjab and Haryana High Court pronounces its verdict.
Appearing for the Punjab government, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Shadan Farasat argued that all actions were taken strictly in accordance with the law and noted that the High Court had already reserved its judgment on similar petitions filed by the media group.
Farasat maintained that only one unit was ordered to be closed, not the entire newspaper operation. In response, the Bench remarked, “Don’t close the newspaper part. Hotels or other commercial establishments can be closed for a few days, but allow the newspaper.”
Earlier, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had reserved its decision on petitions challenging the closure of the printing press and hotels but declined to grant interim relief, prompting the Punjab Kesari management to approach the Supreme Court.
The media group has alleged that closure orders were passed on the same day as the inspection, without waiting for test reports or providing an opportunity for a hearing.
