Press Freedom Alert: SC orders Punjab Kesari Press to operate uninterruptedly

On Tuesday, in a swift intervention to safeguard press freedom, the Supreme Court ordered that the printing press of the ‘Punjab Kesari’ newspaper continue operations without disruption, even as the Punjab and Haryana High Court deliberates on the management’s petition against alleged coercive actions by the State of Punjab. The move underscores judicial vigilance against administrative overreach affecting media functioning.

The controversy erupted after Punjab Kesari published articles critical of the State government, following which the newspaper management alleged a spate of coercive measures, including power cuts, Pollution Control Board notices, FIRs, and temporary closure of hotels run by the owners. Counsel for the newspaper, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, flagged the rapid escalation, arguing that these steps targeted press activity rather than legitimate regulatory concerns. The State contended that all actions, including shutting one unit over water pollution concerns, complied strictly with the law and awaited High Court judgment, insisting no further action would be taken against the press.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, leading the bench, emphasized that administrative measures must not impede journalistic activity, telling the Punjab AAG, “Don’t close the newspaper part. Hotel or other commercial establishment, one can understand, can be closed for a few days. But allow the newspaper.” The bench clarified in its order, “Without prejudice to the rights of both sides, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, it is directed that the printing press of Punjab Kesari newspaper shall continue to function uninterruptedly.”

 Interim relief applies until the High Court delivers its judgment and extends for an additional week to allow parties to seek appellate remedies.

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