In a strong reaffirmation of press freedom, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday came down heavily on the Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PSPCB) for ordering the closure of Punjab Kesari’s printing press, observing that newspapers cannot be shut down under the pretext of pollution violations.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed that the printing presses of the vernacular daily must continue to function without interruption, despite the state board’s decision to snap power supply. The court also ordered status quo to be maintained until a week after the Punjab and Haryana High Court delivers its verdict in the matter.
“You May Shut Businesses, Not Newspapers”: CJI Surya Kant
Taking a stern view of the issue, CJI Surya Kant made it clear that the functioning of newspapers holds a special constitutional position.
“You may close businesses or hotels, but not newspapers,” the Chief Justice remarked during the hearing, underlining the importance of an independent press in a democracy.
The court’s observations came while hearing an urgent plea by the Punjab Kesari newspaper group, which argued that the power disconnection would severely disrupt the publication of multiple editions.
Allegations of Targeted Action After Critical Reporting
Appearing for the newspaper group, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi told the court that the action by the pollution control board was not merely regulatory but retaliatory in nature.
Rohatgi submitted that electricity to the printing presses was cut soon after critical articles were published against the ruling dispensation in Punjab. He further alleged that the group’s owners were facing multiple FIRs and closures of their other establishments, including hotels.
“Our newspaper should not stop because of an article. Our press electricity has been disconnected,” Rohatgi told the bench, seeking immediate relief.
High Court Verdict Awaited, SC Grants Interim Protection
The senior counsel informed the Supreme Court that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had already heard the matter and reserved its verdict, but no interim relief was granted.
Acknowledging the urgency, the Supreme Court stepped in to prevent any immediate disruption to the newspaper’s operations.
“Without prejudice to the rights of both sides, and without expressing any opinion on merits, the printing presses of Punjab Kesari shall continue uninterruptedly,” the bench ordered.
The court clarified that its directions would remain effective until one week after the High Court pronounces its judgment, ensuring operational stability for the publication.
State Government Cites Pollution Norm Violations
Representing the AAP-led Punjab government, the state’s counsel maintained that the action against the Punjab Kesari group was taken strictly on environmental grounds, claiming that the printing units were found violating pollution control norms.
However, the Supreme Court made it clear that regulatory enforcement must not cross into curtailing press freedom, especially when the consequences involve shutting down a newspaper’s ability to publish.
Press Freedom vs Regulatory Powers
Legal experts see the Supreme Court’s intervention as a significant reminder that while environmental compliance is important, it cannot be enforced in a manner that stifles free speech or targets media houses.
The order is expected to have wider implications, reinforcing safeguards for media organizations facing administrative actions that could impact their core journalistic functions.