HINDUSTAN TIMES Vs. STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By reason of this petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, the writ petitioners herein have questioned the validity of an order dated 24th September, 1991 as also one dated 16th October, 1991 issued by the Special Secretary, Goverment of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, whereby and whereunder a direction had been issued to the effect that at the time of payment of bills for publication of Government advertisements in all newspapers having a circulation of more than 25,000 copies, 5% of the amount thereof, forming part of a fund for the purpose of granting pension to the working journalists, would be deducted.

(2.) Petitioner No. 1 herein is a company incorporated under the Companies Act and is engaged in the business of publishing newspapers including 'The Hindustan Times'. Petitioner No. 2 is a shareholder of Petitioner No. 1 and Petitioner No. 3 is its Director.

(3.) The petitioners have questioned the legality/validity of the said orders, inter alia, on the following grounds :