The Supreme Court has directed the State of Punjab to avoid any coercive measures against the Punjab Kesari newspaper, ensuring that its printing press remains operational without disruption.
The Supreme Court has instructed the State of Punjab to refrain from taking any coercive action against the publication of the Punjab Kesari newspaper, directing that its printing press continue operating without interruption while the matter is pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In its interim order, the Court specified that the protection granted to the newspaper’s printing press will remain effective until the High Court delivers its judgment on the petition filed by the newspaper’s management challenging the State’s actions, and for an additional week afterward to allow the parties to pursue suitable appellate remedies.
The Court, however, did not grant similar protection to the newspaper group’s other commercial ventures, including its hotels, and directed that the status quo be maintained concerning those establishments.
The order was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi, following an oral mention by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi on behalf of Punjab Kesari.
