Press Freedom or Legal Compliance? Punjab Kesari Accuses Government of Targeted Actions

The Punjab Kesari Group accused the Punjab government of targeting it with raids and intimidation following a news report about opposition allegations against AAP's national convenor. While the group claims this is an attempt to suppress the press, the government cites legal violations as cause for their actions.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Jalandhar | Updated: 15-01-2026 23:50 IST | Created: 15-01-2026 23:50 IST
Press Freedom or Legal Compliance? Punjab Kesari Accuses Government of Targeted Actions
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The Punjab Kesari newspaper group has accused the Punjab government of orchestrating targeted raids against them in retaliation for a news report critical of the ruling AAP. The group claims these actions violate press freedom and have been strategically timed to intimidate their operations.

In response, the Punjab government has categorically rejected these accusations, asserting that the actions arose from 'serious violations' uncovered by statutory authorities. They argue the enforcement activities are fully within legal bounds and unrelated to the content published by Punjab Kesari.

This clash has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of using its power to stifle the media. As the state approaches elections, the controversy raises critical questions about press freedom versus legal compliance in Punjab.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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