Madras High CourtWP/8606/2023disposed of

R.K.Kumarbabu v. Government Of India

2023-03-20Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 20.03.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI R.K.Kumarbabu .. Petitioner Vs.

1. Government of India, Rep by its Secretary to Government Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Room No.552, A wing shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-110001.

2. The Registrar, Office of the Registrar of Newspaper for India, (Information and Broadcasting) West Block 8, Wing No.2, R.K.Puram, New Delhi-110 060.

3. Additional District Magistrate and The District Revenue Officer, 7/1, State bank Road, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore, 641 018. .. Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other writ or order or direction in the nature of Writ, directing the Respondents to issue title verification code in the light of the Representation dated 03.02.2023 made by the petitioner to the Respondents.

For petitioner : M/s.K.Bratheesh For Respondents : Dr.D.Simon, Central Government Standing Counsel for R1 & R2 : Mr. E.Veda Bagath Singh, Special Government Pleader for R3

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for a direction to the respondents for issuance of title verification code in the light of the petitioner's representation dated 03.02.2023.

2. Dr.D.Simon, learned Central Government Standing Counsel takes notice for Respondents 1 & 2 and Mr. E.Veda Bagath Singh, learned Special Government Pleader takes notice for the 3rd Respondent.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner, who worked as a reporter in the recognized press institution from the year 2000 to 2008, made an application before the 3rd respondent on 25.05.2016 seeking to initiate the weekly magazine Kovai Express, and the same was forwarded to the 2nd respondent for Title clearance and permission to print and publish the magazine, pursuant to which, title code was issued and the petitioner was allowed to run the weekly magazine Kovai Express vide order dated 15.12.2016 and Declaration was made under Section 5 of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 and Rule 3 of the Registration of Newspaper (Central) Rules 1956.

Subsequently, the petitioner made a representation seeking issuance of certificate of registration, however, due to lapse of time in registration, the old title verification stood invalid and his publication was suspended. Hence, the petitioner made a fresh application on 24.07.2022 before the 3rd respondent, seeking title verification, and the same was forwarded to the 2nd respondent. Since, no action has been taken on the same, the petitioner made a representation on 03.02.2023 before the respondents for the very same relief. However, the same was not considered, hence the present Writ Petition has been filed.

4. Though very many grounds have been raised, however, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that it would suffice if this Court issues a direction to the 2nd respondent to consider the representation made by the petitioner on 03.02.2023 and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law, within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.

5. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing for respondents 1 & 2 and learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the 3rd respondent.

6. In view of the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without going into the merits of the case, directs the 2nd respondent to pass appropriate orders on the petitioner's representation which was made on 03.02.2023 in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. This Writ Petition is disposed of with the above direction. There shall be no order as to costs.

20.03.2023 nhs Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No To

1. The Secretary to Government, Government of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Room No.552, A wing shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-110001.

2. The Registrar, Office of the Registrar of Newspaper for India, (Information and Broadcasting) West Block 8, Wing No.2, R.K.Puram, New Delhi-110 060.

3. Additional District Magistrate and The District Revenue Officer, 7/1, State bank Road, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore, 641 018.

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

NHS 20.03.2023