IMAN TIMES Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule. By consent made returnable forthwith.

(2.) Heard learned Advocate for the petitioner, learned A. G. P. for respondent no. 2 and learned Advocate for Respondents No. 1 and 3.

(3.) Petitioner No. 2 is owner of newspaper, by name "iman Times", which the petitioner claims to be widely circulated newspapers in Vidarbha and adjoining areas. The newspaper was registered with respondent No. 3 Registrar of Newspapers on 30th October, 2002. The petitioners claim to have made mandatory declaration before respondent No. 2 District Magistrate on 1-1-2003 giving all the necessary details. The newspaper was initially printed from "noori press". Subsequently the petitioner assigned the printing work to "sheetal Press". The petitioners sought from respondent No. 3 registration (N. R. I. ) number for newspaper and submitted requisite application on 28th February, 2005. Since no reply was received, in spite of petitioner's visit to the office of respondent No. 3, the petitioner again renewed his request on 29-8-2005. On 6-9-2005 respondent no. 1 sought from the petitioners certain information. The petitioners submitted this information on 20th September, 2005. Again on 14-11-2005 the petitioners submitted an application, followed up by another application on 1-12-2005, requesting respondent No. 3 to grant necessary registration number. On 15-2-2006 the petitioners received a communication informing them that the title "the iman Times" had been deblocked and no further correspondence would be entertained. The petitioners were directed to apply afresh to the concerned district Magistrate and to get the title subject to availability.