#JUSTIN: Supreme Court Saves Punjab Kesari Presses, Orders Uninterrupted Functioning
Supreme Court grants interim relief to Punjab Kesari amid pollution board power cut threat.
In a significant interim order, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that the printing presses of the Punjab Kesari Newspaper Group must continue operating without interruption, overriding the Punjab State Pollution Control Board’s decision to disconnect electricity supply over alleged environmental violations. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, took urgent cognisance of the media house’s plea, which warned that several editions of the widely circulated vernacular daily would be severely impacted if the presses were forced to shut down.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Punjab Kesari group, highlighted the gravity of the situation while seeking an urgent hearing. He argued that the power disconnection stemmed from a critical article published against the current state government, leading to what he described as retaliatory measures. “Our newspaper should not stop because of an article, our press electricity will be disconnected,” Rohatgi submitted. He further alleged that the owners faced additional hardships, including closure of their hotels and registration of FIRs, suggesting a pattern of targeted action.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier heard the matter and reserved its verdict, but declined to grant interim relief. The Supreme Court stepped in to prevent immediate disruption, directing status quo on the printing presses while allowing the High Court’s final decision to proceed. The bench clarified that its order would remain in force for one week even after the High Court pronounces its judgment, ensuring continuity of operations in the interim period.
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Counsel appearing for the AAP-led Punjab government maintained that the action against the presses was strictly due to non-compliance with pollution control norms. However, the Supreme Court refrained from delving into the merits of the allegations at this stage, emphasising a balanced approach by preserving the status quo on other properties as well.
The development underscores ongoing tensions between media freedom and regulatory enforcement in the state. This relief provides temporary breathing space to one of Punjab’s prominent Hindi dailies, allowing it to maintain publication schedules amid the legal battle.
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