New Delhi, 20 January (H.S.): A bench presided over by Chief Justice of India Suryakant imposed an immediate stay on Tuesday on the Punjab government undertaking any coercive measures against the publication of Punjab Kesari newspaper, ensuring its operations continue uninterrupted.

The Supreme Court clarified that this interim order will remain in force until the Punjab and Haryana High Court delivers its verdict on the matter, plus an additional week thereafter to allow parties to pursue appellate remedies.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Punjab Kesari, brought the urgent mention before the Chief Justice. He detailed how actions targeted the newspaper's management within two days of publishing articles critical of the state government: power supply disruptions, notices from the Pollution Control Board, closure of hotels owned by proprietors, and registration of FIRs.

Rohatgi stressed that the Punjab and Haryana High Court reserved judgment on the management's petition without granting interim relief, underscoring that the press cannot be stifled merely for airing critical content.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar