‘Don’t Shut Newspaper....': SC Tells Punjab Govt Regarding Punjab Kesari
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directs Punjab Kesari newspaper to operate amidst pollution violation allegations.
By Sumit Saxena
Published : January 20, 2026 at 11:31 AM IST
|Updated : January 20, 2026 at 11:47 AM IST
New Delhi: In a relief to the Punjab Kesari newspaper group, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that printing presses of the vernacular daily shall continue to function uninterruptedly notwithstanding the Punjab State Pollution Control Board’s decision to snap power supply due to alleged violations.
The matter was mentioned by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. Rohatgi, appearing for the media group, requested the bench to grant urgent hearing on the matter and contended, “We got a notice that our press electricity will be disconnected on ground of some water pollution issue immediately”.
“We have a hotel which will be closed immediately. FIRs are registered against the owners of Punjab Kesari. All in the matter of two days because we have published an article which is not favourable to the dispensation in Punjab. So, we filled writs before the high court…”, said Rohatgi. He said the newspaper should not be stopped because of an article and if the electricity to the press is disconnected there will be disruption.
He also said the Punjab and Haryana High Court heard the petition and reserved the verdict but the interim relief has not been granted.
Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Punjab government, said the media group was found in violation of pollution norms, and the matter was argued before the high court. The state’s counsel said that action has been taken and no further action will be taken.
The CJI asked the Punjab government counsel, “Why the newspaper?” The counsel replied that it was one unit of the newspaper, the printing press, and not the entire paper, and it is not like the paper has been shut down.
“Do not close the newspaper part. Hotel, any commercial activity is understandable. Hotel can remain closed for two or three days or a week…allow the newspaper to (function)”, Rohatgi said.
After hearing submissions, the bench took the plea of the media group’s plea on board. The CJI said, “Without prejudice to the rights of both sides, and without expressing any views on merits, it is directed that printing presses of Punjab Kesari shall continue uninterruptedly, and the status quo shall be maintained with regard to other properties.”
The apex court said its order permitting printing presses to continue for a week even after pronouncement of the verdict by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the group’s plea.
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