The Supreme Court on January 20, 2026, directed that the printing presses of Punjab Kesari newspaper shall keep running without interruption. This came after the Punjab State Pollution Control Board cut power to the presses over alleged pollution violations. Chief Justice Surya Kant led the Bench that issued the order after hearing an urgent plea from the newspaper group. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Punjab Kesari, stated, “Our newspaper should not stop because of an article, our press electricity will be disconnected.” He added that the power cut was due to an article critical of the current government. Rohatgi also said, “Hotels of the owners are shut… FIRs are registered against owners.” The Punjab and Haryana High Court had already heard the petition and reserved its verdict but had not granted interim relief. The Supreme Court Buttressed the group’s plea, directing that the presses continue to operate and that the status quo on other properties be maintained. It clarified this was “without prejudice to the rights of both sides” and did not express any views on the case's merits. The counsel for the AAP government said the newspaper group violated pollution laws. Despite this, the Supreme Court allowed the press to function for a week beyond the forthcoming High Court verdict on the matter. This order ensures Punjab Kesari’s print editions will not be affected immediately, pending final court decisions.