The Supreme Court of India has issued an interim order allowing the printing presses of Punjab Kesari to operate uninterruptedly, even as legal proceedings continue in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, passed the order following a plea from the newspaper group seeking protection against enforcement actions.
According to media reports, the relief comes after the Punjab State Pollution Control Board disconnected electricity to one of the newspaper’s printing units over alleged environmental violations. Punjab Kesari contended that this effectively shut down its press operations and claimed the action was punitive. The High Court had previously heard the matter and reserved its judgment but did not grant interim protection, prompting the appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court clarified that its interim order applies only to the newspaper’s printing press, allowing operations to continue until the High Court delivers its verdict and for one week thereafter, giving parties time to pursue appellate remedies if required. The court noted that other commercial units of the group, such as hotels, may remain closed or be subject to enforcement actions, but the printing presses must not be halted in a way that disrupts publication.
Advocates for Punjab Kesari argued that shutting down the press infringed on freedom of the press and expression, while the state government stated that the action was in line with pollution control norms and affected only one printing unit. The Supreme Court emphasized that the interim order does not express any opinion on the merits of environmental compliance.
The relief ensures that Punjab Kesari’s publication cycle continues uninterrupted while the High Court examines broader questions about regulatory powers and alleged punitive measures against the media.
