R . Rajagopal and Ors . vs . State of Tamil Nadu and Ors . ( 07 . 10 .

1994 - SC )
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...30. In all this discussion, we may clarify, we have not gone into the impact of Article 19(1)(a) read with
Clause (2) thereof on Sections 499 and 500 of Indian Penal Code. That may have to await a proper
case....

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Case Note: Constitution - freedom of press - Official Secrets Act, 1923 - appellant restrained from
publishing autobiography of convict person - appellant moves Court to issue Orders against concerned
officials restraining them to interfere with publication on ground of freedom of press - respondents
contend right to privacy - once matter becomes matter of public record right to privacy no longer
subsists - Official Secrets Act does not bind press or media - no law empowers State or officials to
prohibit or impose prior restraint upon press or media - petitioners have right to publish as matter
appears from public records - can be done even without consent or authorisation - going beyond
publishing life story is invading right to privacy - remedy to affected people lies only after publication.