New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim relief to the Punjab Kesari newspaper group, directing that its printing presses will continue operating despite action initiated by the Punjab State Pollution Control Board over alleged regulatory violations.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant took up the matter on an urgent basis after the newspaper group informed the court that the board’s move to disconnect electricity could disrupt the publication of several editions of the daily.

Appearing for the group, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi told the court that the proposed power disconnection would effectively halt newspaper printing. He alleged that the action followed critical reporting against the ruling dispensation in Punjab.

Rohatgi further submitted that apart from the power cut to printing units, other establishments owned by the group were being shut and criminal cases registered against its proprietors. He said the Punjab and Haryana High Court had heard the matter and reserved its judgment, but no interim protection had been granted so far.

Taking note of the submissions, the apex court ordered that, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case and without prejudice to the rights of either side, the printing presses of Punjab Kesari shall continue to function without interruption. The court also directed that the existing status quo be maintained with regard to the group’s other properties.

Counsel appearing for the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government countered the allegations, stating that the newspaper group had violated pollution control norms.

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The Supreme Court clarified that its direction allowing the continued operation of the printing presses would remain in force for one week even after the Punjab and Haryana High Court delivers its verdict in the matter.