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Journalist Anjum Moves SC on Legislative Privileges, Free Speech
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News18•30-09-2026, 16:00
Journalist Anjum Moves SC on Legislative Privileges, Free Speech
- •Senior TV journalist Ajit Anjum has approached the Supreme Court, seeking to intervene in a case concerning the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs and their impact on freedom of speech and expression.
- •Anjum's intervention application highlights the constitutional relationship between the Legislature, Judiciary, and the free press, emphasizing the case's implications beyond individual petitioners.
- •The plea urges the Supreme Court to examine the scope and limits of legislative privilege, when criticism or reporting constitutes a breach, the punitive powers of legislative bodies, and constitutional protection for journalists.
- •A seven-judge constitution bench will commence hearing on October 6 to interpret provisions related to legislative privileges under Article 194(3) and their interplay with fundamental rights like Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21.
- •The case originated from 2003 petitions by The Hindu journalist N Ravi against the Tamil Nadu assembly, which had sentenced them to 15 days’ simple imprisonment for alleged breach of privilege, leading to a reference to a seven-judge bench due to conflicting legal views.
Key Questions Answered
Senior TV journalist Ajit Anjum filed an intervention application to participate in an upcoming case addressing the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs and their impact on freedom of speech and expression.
A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearing the case concerning legislative privileges on October 6.
The 2003 case stems from petitions filed by The Hindu journalist N Ravi and others after the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker sentenced them to 15 days of imprisonment for alleged breach of privilege and contempt.