In a significant interim relief to the Punjab Kesari newspaper group, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that its printing presses must continue to operate without disruption, despite the Punjab State Pollution Control Board’s move to disconnect their electricity supply citing environmental violations.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant passed the directive while taking urgent note of the newspaper group’s plea that the decision of the pollution control board would severely impact the publication of several editions of the vernacular daily.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Punjab Kesari, alleged that the power cut and other actions by state authorities were retaliatory. “Because of an article published in the Punjab Kesari against the dispensation of the present government, electricity is cut for printing presses. Hotels of the owners are shut… FIRs are registered against owners,” he told the bench while seeking an immediate hearing.
He further pointed out that while the Punjab and Haryana High Court had heard the group’s petition and reserved its verdict, no interim protection had been granted in the meantime.
Responding to the submissions, the Supreme Court bench directed: “Without prejudice to the rights of both sides, and without expressing any views on the merits of the case, it is directed that printing presses of Punjab Kesari shall continue uninterruptedly, and the status quo shall be maintained with regard to other properties.”
Counsel representing the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government maintained that the group’s printing facilities had been found in violation of pollution control norms.
Despite this contention, the Supreme Court said its order permitting the functioning of the newspaper’s presses shall remain in effect even for one week following the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s final verdict in the matter.
