Ban on doorstep delivery of newspapers does not violate freedom of press: State Government

The Maharashtra government recently said that its decision to ban door-to-door delivery of newspapers (currently in force only in COVID-19 hotspots and containment zones) amid the coronavirus pandemic was an exceptional policy move and in no way violates the freedom of the press.

On Thursday, the state government told the Bombay High Court bench, that as per experts, coronavirus stays on surfaces for a long time and the passing of newspapers from one hand to another could increase the chances of widespread COVID-19 infection.

The Press Council of India (PCI) had issued a notice to the state government seeking an explanation over the prohibition of door-to-door delivery of newspapers and magazines in Maharashtra.

The state, in its affidavit filed before Justice N W Sambre, stated that the newspapers are not an essential item and therefore, the prohibition of doorstep delivery of the newspapers cannot be termed as an infringement upon any fundamental rights.

The affidavit was filed in response to a petition filed by the Maharashtra Union of Working Journalists (MUWJ) and the Nagpur Union of Working Journalists (NUWJ), challenging a government circular issued on April 18. As per the circular, newspapers can be sold at stalls but their door-to-door distribution by vendors cannot be permitted at this stage. 

However, the government clarified that a blanket ban on the doorstep delivery of newspapers had been lifted and now the prohibition was only limited to Mumbai, Pune and coronavirus containment zones in other districts of the state.

The affidavit further claimed that the aim behind imposing a blanket ban was to control and reduce the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike food items, a newspaper cannot be considered an essential need.

"Hence, the prohibition of door-to-door distribution of newspapers by no means infringes upon the right of the freedom of the press," the state said.

The government stated that the ban on doorstep delivery of newspapers was an exceptional policy decision and had been taken by the state under an extraordinary situation. Maharashtra has recorded 6,711 COVID-19 cases so far, making it the worst-affected state in the country. 

After taking the affidavit in consideration, Justice Sambre posted the matter for further hearing on June 15.