RAMESH LAL SAHA Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a petition for revision of an order of the learned Additional District Magistrate of 24 Parganas demanding a security of Rs. 1000/- from the petitioner Under Section 7 (l), Press (Emergency Powers) Act, 1931. Sub-section (1) of Section 7 is in these terms :

(2.) The Magistrate instructed the security police to make investigations and on the material before him he gave his reasons for demanding a security of Rs. 1000/-. The reasons he gave were to prevent irresponsible and dangerous writings which would endanger peace and the security of the State.

(3.) It was argued in the first place that this section requiring security is ultra vires the Constitution as it places a restriction on the freedom of speech which is not permissible under Article 19 (2) of the Constitution. That clause provides :