The Newsprint control order, 1962, was partially struck down by the Supreme Court of India in the case involving
(A) Deccan chronicle
(B) Searchlight
(C) Indian Express
(D) The Hindu
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
The Newsprint Control Order, 1962, regulated the use and distribution of newsprint in India. However, the Supreme Court struck down parts of this order in a case involving Indian Express. This ruling significantly impacted press freedom in the country.
The government restricted newspaper circulation by limiting newsprint allocation. Indian Express challenged this restriction in court. The newspaper argued that the law violated freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court agreed with this argument. The court ruled that certain provisions of the order were unconstitutional because they unfairly limited newspapers from expanding.
This decision gave newspapers greater freedom in acquiring and using newsprint. As a result, Indian journalism gained more independence from government control.
Now, let’s examine the incorrect options. Deccan Chronicle, Searchlight, and The Hindu played important roles in Indian journalism. However, none of them were directly involved in this case. Clearly, Indian Express was the key petitioner in this legal battle.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Indian Express case protected press freedom from excessive government control. Since newspapers need unrestricted access to resources, this ruling ensured they could operate without unnecessary interference.
