Power to order closure of Press

(1) Whenever the Government are satisfied that any press has been used for the purpose of printing or publishing any newspaper, news sheet, book or other document containing matter, which is or which is likely to promote disharmony or feelings of enimity, hatred or ill- will between different religious or racial groups or castes or communities or cause fear to the public or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the public order, they may order the closure of such press for such period or periods as they may deem necessary; which shall not in the aggregate exceed one month: Provided that no such order shall be made unless the press or the person incharge of the press has been given an opportunity of explaining within twenty four hours as to why such an order shall not be made; Provided further that in exceptional circumstances where it is not practicable to give an opportunity as aforesaid for reasons to be recorded in writing an order for the closure of the press at once may be made; but the reasons for such closure shall be communicated to the press or the person incharge of the press within five days from the date of such closure; Provided also that the expiry of an order of closure shall not bar the making of a fresh order of closure against the same press in any case where fresh facts have arisen or the press continued to be used for the purpose mentioned in this sub-section, after the expiry of the earlier order of closure. (2) Any such power as is specified in sub-section (1) may also be exercised by the District Magistrate or the Commissioner of Police. (3) Any person aggrieved by an order made under sub-section (1) may, within seven days from the date of the order, prefer an appeal to the Metropolitian Sessions Judge in the case of twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and to the Principal District and Session Judge, elsewhere. Explanation- For the purposes of this section,- (i)“document” includes any painting, drawing or photograph or other visible representation; (ii) “newspaper” means any periodical work containing public news or comments on public news; (iii) “news sheet” means any document other than a newspaper containing public news or comments on public news; (iv) “press” means a printing press, and includes all plant, machinery, duplicators, types, implements and other materials used for the purpose of, or in connection with, printing or multiplying documents.

1. (2) Any such power as is specified in sub-section (1) may also be exercised by the District Magistrate or the Commissioner of Police.
2. (3) Any person aggrieved by an order made under sub-section (1) may, within seven days from the date of the order, prefer an appeal to the Metropolitian Sessions Judge in the case of twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and to the Principal District and Session Judge, elsewhere. Explanation- For the purposes of this section,- (i)“document” includes any painting, drawing or photograph or other visible representation;
   • (ii) “newspaper” means any periodical work containing public news or comments on public news;
   • (iii) “news sheet” means any document other than a newspaper containing public news or comments on public news;
   • (iv) “press” means a printing press, and includes all plant, machinery, duplicators, types, implements and other materials used for the purpose of, or in connection with, printing or multiplying documents.