Pankaj Yadav v. Press Information Bureau Government Of India

$~41 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 8505/2024 PANKAJ YADAV .....Petitioner Through:

Mr. Abhishek Grover and Ms.Mallika Gupta, Advocates versus PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU GOVERNMENT OF INDIA .....Respondent Through:

Ms. Pratima N Lakra CGSC with Mr.Shailendra Kumar Mishra, Advocate.

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV

O R D E R

% 02.02.2026 1.

Though, submissions have been made by learned counsel for the respondent that the period of suspension stood expired and the petitioner is entitled to apply afresh; and if he files a fresh application, the same can be considered in accordance with extant regulations, however, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the impugned order dated 08.06.2023 is bereft of any reason and the petitioner, as of now, may not fulfil the criteria for registration as a cardholder of the Press Information Bureau ('PIB'). 2.

The order dated 08.06.2023 is extracted as under:- "No.F .24015/08/2023-PRS Government of India PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (Press Relation Section) ****** Dated: 08.06.2023 To, The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 04/02/2026 at 13:15:13

Mr. Pankaj Yadav H.No.296, Sector-7, Urban Estate, Gurgaon-122001.

MOB: 9873144173 Subject: Surrender of PIB Card.

Sir, This is regarding PIB Card No. 4212 issued to you. A Complaint was received against you in this Bureau. Accordingly, the 6th CMAC in its meeting has decided to suspend the PIB card issued to you with immediate effect.

2. Hence, you are directed to surrender the PIB card issued to you immediately at room 12-A Press Facility, Ground floor, National Media Center, New Delhi-110001."

3.

The Court has looked into the order dated 08.06.2023 and finds that the same does not assign any reason and in any case, the suspension, can always be reconsidered for its revocation for justifiable reasons by the respondent.

4.

Let the respondent to reconsider the continuation of the petitioner's suspension within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order passed today. It is also made clear that if the respondent finds that for any reason whatsoever, the suspension cannot be revoked, it will have to assign specific reasons, thereto.

5.

The petitioner shall also be given an opportunity of hearing before taking any final decision.

6.

The petitioner, thereafter, shall be at liberty to take appropriate recourse in accordance with law.

7.

With the aforesaid observations, the instant petition stands disposed of.

PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV, J FEBRUARY 2, 2026 Nc/ksr The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 04/02/2026 at 13:15:13