Supreme Court

SC Transfers Plea Of Telugu Daily ‘Eenadu’ To Delhi HC

The Supreme Court on Monday transferred to the Delhi High Court a petition filed by Ushodaya Publications, owner of the leading Telugu daily “Eenadu,” challenging a Government Order (GO) allegedly aimed at increasing sales of the “Sakshi” newspaper (allegedly owned and controlled by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister).

The petitioner had moved before the Supreme Court against the Andhra Pradesh High Court decision that declined to stop the GO in question.

A bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice JB Pardiwala heard the case.

CJI stated right away that the matter would be sent to the Delhi High Court.

Senior Advocate CS Vaidyanathan, representing for the Government of Andhra Pradesh, objected to the transfer, claiming that it would cast doubt on the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

The bench, however, assured him that no questions would be made about the conduct of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

“What weighed on us is that this is not between two newspapers, this is between two political parties,” CJI remarked.

As a result, the following order was passed, “It would be in the interests of justice to transfer the petition to the Delhi High Court. We propose that the petition be heard by the Delhi High Court bench presided over by the Chief Justice. Parties are free to petition the High Court of Delhi for a modification of the interim decision granting the requested directives. The transfer to the Delhi High Court would not affect the outcome of the proceedings in the Andhra Pradesh High Court.”

The Government Order in question sanctioned Rs.200/- per month from State funds as additional financial support for each Gramme Volunteer/Ward Volunteer to purchase one widely circulated Telugu newspaper, which provides them with more knowledge and awareness on contemporary issues as well as information on Government schemes.

Ushodaya Publications, which owns “Eenadu,” claims that the price ceiling in GO is set in such a way that it promotes “Sakshi.” The monthly subscription rate for “Sakshi” was Rs.176.50 per month, while the charge for “Eenadu” was Rs.207.50 per month. It was argued that the government purposefully set the additional grant of Rs.200/- per month to match the monthly subscription charges of “Sakshi” in order to enable the newspaper grow beyond the readership of “Eenadu.” After the Telangana High Court refused to stay the GO, Ushodaya approached before the Supreme Court.

Isha Das

Recent Posts

Centre Opposes Ex-Judges Panel To Monitor Stubble Burning In SC

The Centre on Friday opposed a proposal in the Supreme Court to form a committee…

8 hours ago

“It’s A Celebration For Us”: Delhi HC Bar Association Felicitates CJI Sanjiv Khanna

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv…

8 hours ago

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Israeli PM Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

8 hours ago

Cal HC Stays Demolition Of Illegal Constructions In WB’s Mandarmoni

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged…

9 hours ago

SC To Pass Order On Pleas To Efface Words ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would deliver its order on November 25…

9 hours ago

Air Pollution: SC Questions Delhi Govt On Truck Entry Amid GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Friday about the "drastic" consequences of the GRAP Stage…

10 hours ago