इंडियन एक्सप्रेस न्यूज़पेपर्स बनाम भारत संघ
| Citation | AIR 1986 SC 515, (1985) 1 SCC 641 |
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Date | 6 December 1984 |
| Year | 1985 |
| Bench | O. Chinnappa Reddy, A.P. Sen, E.S. Venkataramiah JJ. |
| Acts/Articles | Article 19(1)(a), Article 19(2) |
| Category | Constitutional Law |
Key Principle Established
Freedom of press is an integral part of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). Government cannot impose excessive taxes or duties to cripple newspapers.
Several major newspaper companies challenged the imposition of customs duty on imported newsprint, arguing that it would cripple smaller newspapers and restrict freedom of the press.
The Supreme Court upheld freedom of press as part of Article 19(1)(a) and held that the government cannot use its taxing power to throttle the dissemination of news and views. While reasonable regulation is permissible, excessive taxation that has the effect of restricting press freedom is unconstitutional.
This judgment is a cornerstone of press freedom jurisprudence in India. It established that economic measures that indirectly restrict press freedom are as unconstitutional as direct restrictions. It continues to be cited in cases involving media regulation and government control of information.
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Read AnalysisThis judgment summary is for educational and research purposes. While care has been taken to accurately represent the ratio and findings, for authoritative reference always consult the original judgment text from official sources (SCC Online, AIR, Manupatra, or court websites).
22+ years of practice before Punjab & Haryana High Court and Supreme Court of India.