Romesh Thappar v State of Madras

Supreme Court of IndiaAIR 1950 SC 124

Bench: Patanjali Sastri J, Fazl Ali J, Mukherjea J, Das J, Aiyar J (majority); Mahajan J (dissent)

Freedom of speech and expression includes the freedom of the press. The Madras Act restricted circulation on grounds of "public order" which was not a permissible restriction under the original Article 19(2) — the only permissible grounds then were security of India and public order in relation to foreign states. The restriction was void.