The Supreme Court today laid down a constitutional principle where the aggrieved parties can seek the postponement of the publication of court hearings from the appropriate court. The court will take a decision on case by case basis. The bench observed that freedom of speech and expression enshrined in fundamental rights is not an absolute right under the Constitution and the journalists should understand the 'lakshman rekha' so that they do not cross the line of contempt.
A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia said it was laying down the constitutional principle which will allow the aggrieved parties to seek redressal from the appropriate court for the postponement of the publication of court hearings.
The bench also said the concerned court will decide the question of postponement of reporting of court proceedings on case-by-case basis.