Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Court Protects Punjab Kesari Amid Pollution Dispute
The Punjab Kesari newspaper group is in a legal fight with the Punjab Government.
The government cut off electricity to the newspaper's press and hotel because they say the press is polluting the water.
The newspaper group says this is happening because they wrote an article that the government didn't like.
The Supreme Court said the newspaper can keep working, but the hotel can stay closed for a few days.
The High Court is still deciding about the hotel.
Both sides are arguing about whether the government is following the rules or if they are just trying to stop the newspaper from publishing.
The Supreme Court granted interim protection to Punjab Kesari, allowing the newspaper to continue operating despite pollution allegations.
The Punjab Government disconnected electricity to the press and hotel, citing water pollution violations.
Punjab Kesari alleges the action is politically motivated due to critical articles published against the government.
The High Court reserved its judgment on the petition by the Hind Samachar Group, which owns the hotel.
The Supreme Court ordered status quo for other commercial establishments owned by the newspaper group.
- Who
- Punjab Kesari Group and Punjab Government
- What
- Legal dispute over disconnection of electricity to press and hotel for alleged pollution violations
- When
- Action taken on January 13, court hearing in 2024
- Where
- Punjab, with the case being heard in the Supreme Court of India
- Why
- Punjab Kesari Group alleges political targeting for critical news reports, Punjab Government claims pollution violations
- Petitioner
- Punjab Kesari Group
- Respondent
- Punjab Government
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench
- Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice Vipul M Pancholi
- Alleged Violation
- Water pollution
- Action Taken
- Disconnection of electricity to press and hotel
- Date of Action
- January 13
- Employees Affected
- More than 100
Sources
Punjab and Haryana High Court reserves orders on Hind Samachar plea against govt action
Printing presses of Punjab Kesari newspaper shall continue to function: SC
‘Shall continue to function uninterruptedly’: Supreme Court gives interim protection to ‘Punjab Kesari’ from state action
Punjab Kesari gets SC shield: 'Newspapers cannot be stopped'
