Delhi High Court orders National Herald publishers to vacate Herald House

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Associated Journals Limited (AJL), publishers of National Herald newspaper, to vacate the Herald House in Delhi as per an eviction order of the Centre.

Justice Sunil Gaur gave two week times to AJL to vacate the premise Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg failing which proceedings under Public Premise Act could be initiated.

The High Court, which was hearing a petition filed by AJL challenging the October 30 order of the the Land and Development Office (L&DO) ending its 56-year-old lease and asking it to vacate the premises in the press enclave at ITO here, reserved it verdict on the case.

During the hearing, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ministry, had argued that no publication of newspaper was taking place at Herald House since 2008.

The SG had said that it was only after inspection notice was issued in 2016 that National Herald commenced operation.

The High Court had earlier asked the government to maintain status quo with regard to enforcement of the October 30 order.

In its petition, the AJL has alleged that the proceedings by the ministry were being initiated for the purposes of “scuttling the voices of dissent” and the voice of the largest opposition party in the country, a reference to the Congress.