“Citizens including the press have the fundamental right to view, form an informed opinion, critique, report on and lawfully circulate the contents of the documentary as right to freedom of speech and expression incorporates the right to receive and disseminate information as has been held by this court,” said the petition.
Rijiju had had earlier commented on the court taking up frivolous petitions and bail pleas instead of concentrating on issues of constitutional importance and those involving points of law. This time, however, he refrained from referring to the court agreeing to hear the petition.
The petition said those who hold important positions must have shoulders which are broad enough to accept with grace a critique of themselves as critical appraisal is the cornerstone of democracy.
“The documentary is a journalistic production by a media house regarding a part of Indian history ranging back over 20 years. It is the product of journalistic endeavour and contains the accounts, interviews and statements of various citizens of India, in addition to official documents and facts that are already part of public domain. While the content of the documentary may be seen as critical of the past conduct of various persons who are currently holding office within the central government, the contents thereof are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution,” the petition said.
A similar petition has also been filed by advocate M L Sharma on the controversy, which would also be taken up for hearing next week.
“The order dated January 20 issued by the Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and subsequent and consequential proceedings under Rule 16 of Rules, 2021 censoring the documentary and tweets of the petitioners are not available in the public domain. Censoring freedom of speech and expression of the petitioners by the Executive through opaque orders and proceedings is manifestly arbitrary as it frustrates the fundamental right of petitioners to effectively seek judicial review of administrative actions,” the petition said.

Adani Ent FPO crawls: 3% in 2 days
The Rs 20,000-crore follow-on public offering (FPO) by Adani Enterprises (AEL) received just 3% subscription on the second day of the bidding. The development comes even as the Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate International Holding Company (IHC) agreed to invest $400 million (about Rs 3,200 crore) in the issue. IHC is an existing investor in AEL and the latest commitment will be its second deal in the flagship of the Adani Group.
By close of bidding on Monday, AEL garnered bids for nearly 14 lakh shares, representing 3% of the total 4.6 crore shares that’s on offer, data on the BSE website showed. The FPO, sold in the Rs 3,112-3,276 per share price range, is higher than AEL’s Monday closing price of Rs 2,879 on the BSE. The offer is set to close on Tuesday.
At close of bidding on the second day, the part reserved for retail investors was subscribed 4% of the allotted quota, employees’ portion 13%, while the HNI (non-institutional investors) portion was subscribed 4%. Qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) had bid for 4,576 shares of the 1.3 crore shares earmarked for them. Usually, institutions and HNIs bid on the last day of an offer. AEL expects three family offices from the UK, Qatar and Bahrain to invest a sizeable amount in the FPO on the last day.
On Monday, Abu Dhabi’s IHC said it will subscribe to 16% of AEL’s FPO. It will route the investment through its subsidiary Green Transmission Investment Holding RSC. Once the FPO concludes successfully, IHC’s stake in AEL will go up from the current 4%. In April 2022, it had announced an investment of Rs 7,700 crore in AEL as part of its broader capital infusion in Adani Group companies.
IHC has also invested Rs 3,850 crore each in Adani Transmission and Adani Green Energy. “The advantage of the FPO is the historical reference for the company’s earnings report, company’s management, business practices, and much data to bank on before making any investment decision,” said IHC CEO Syed Basar Shueb. He added, “We see a strong potential for growth from a long-term perspective.”
Since AEL is issuing partly paid-up shares, investors in the FPO will pay Rs 1,638 per share in the first tranche, at the upper end of the price band. They will pay the balance amount at a later date.
On day one of the offer (January 27), the FPO was subscribed 1%. The day before the FPO opened for bidding, AEL’s Rs 5,985-crore anchor book, a part of the QIB portion, was fully subscribed. Consequently, the shares reserved for bidding was reduced to 4.6 crore shares from the initial 6.5 crore shares.

Punjab Regiment contingent marches past during the 74th Republic Day celebrations
On the basis of the assessment of the panels, the Punjab Regiment’s contingent won the best marching contingent among the three services.

Gujarat tableau on display during the 74th Republic Day Parade (PTI)
The Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) marching contingent won the top prize among the CAPFs and other auxiliary forces, the statement said.

CRPF band march past during the 74th Republic Day celebrations (ANI)
Among the ministries and departments, the tableau of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Eklavya Model Residential Schools) won the best prize.
The Central Public Works Department’s tableau on biodiversity conservation and ‘Vande Bharatam’ dance group earned a special prize, the statement said.
A total of 23 tableaux — 17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries and departments — depicting India’s vibrant cultural heritage, economic and social progress took part in the ceremonial parade.
‘Nari Shakti’ was predominantly the theme of the celebrations at the Republic Day this year.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries joined people and members of the armed forces in marking the august occasion.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was the chief guest at the ceremonial event.
(With inputs from PTI)