Shillong: The Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, has issued a formal reminder to all local newspapers and media outlets in the district to refrain from publishing or broadcasting statements from banned or unlawful organisations that could disrupt public order or infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens.
The advisory follows an order passed by the High Court of Meghalaya on May 27, 2015, in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 127 of 2015.
The court’s directive, as highlighted in the police communication, strictly prohibits the publication of statements by groups such as the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) or any other organisation that may incite bandhs, strikes, blockades, or unlawful rallies—actions deemed disruptive to normal public life and violative of Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
The High Court had clearly stated that any violation of this order would not only invite contempt proceedings but also necessitate the registration of criminal cases under applicable laws by the state government.
Citing this ruling, the district police have urged all print and electronic media platforms to adhere strictly to the court’s instructions.
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Any violation, the police warned, would compel the Officer-in-Charge of the concerned police station to initiate legal proceedings as mandated.
A copy of the court’s judgment has been circulated to media houses for reference, and the Superintendent of Police has sought the full cooperation of the press in upholding the directive.
The notification has also been forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range), Meghalaya, for necessary action.
