Full Judgment Text
1
REPORTABLE
2026 INSC 79
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION/INHERENT JURISDICTION/CIVIL
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION/CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO(S). 1255/1999
PEOPLES UNION FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES & ANR. APPELLANT(S)
VERSUS
THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ORS. RESPONDENT(S)
WITH
Crl.A. No. 1256/1999
Crl.A. No. 1367/1999
W.P.(C) No. 316/2008
CONMT.PET.(C) NO. 47/2011
IN
W.P.(C) NO. 316/2008
T.C.(C) No. 27/2011
W.P.(Crl.) No. 380/2021
O R D E R
1.
We take on record the laborious exercise undertaken by the
learned Senior counsel Mr. Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who has
been appointed as the Amicus Curiae to assist the Court.
2.
The Police Manual for Media Briefing has been prepared by
the learned Amicus, considering the views of the Union of
India and the practices prevalent at the international
Signature Not Verified
Digitally signed by
SWETA BALODI
Date: 2026.01.21
17:03:14 IST
Reason:
level. Notwithstanding the time granted by this Court on
earlier occasions, the States have not shown adequate
interest in taking note of the Manual and doing the needful.
2
3.
We do not want to keep these matter(s) pending any longer.
We deem it appropriate to direct the States to evolve an
appropriate policy for Media Briefing by taking into
consideration the Police Manual for Media Briefing furnished
by the learned Amicus Curiae. The needful will have to be
done within a period of three months from the date of
receipt of a copy of this order.
4.
The Registry is directed to upload the Police Manual for
media Briefing on the Supreme Court Website within a period
of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this
order.
5.
We once again place on record our appreciation for the able
assistance rendered by the learned Amicus Curiae.
6.
No orders are required in the applications for interventions
and they are disposed of, accordingly.
7. The appeals and the writ petitions stand disposed of
accordingly, and the Contempt Petition stands closed.
8. Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed
of.
…………………………………………………………………………J.
[M.M. SUNDRESH]
…………………………………………………………………………J.
[NONGMEIKAPAM KOTISWAR SINGH]
NEW DELHI;
th
15 JANUARY, 2026