Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 06 October 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: N. Ravi & Ors. (petitioners) vs. Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Chennai & Ors. (respondents); also linked Civil Writ Petition No. 508 of 2003.
- Background: Articles published in The Hindu on 12‑04‑2003, 13‑04‑2003, 23‑04‑2003 and 25‑04‑2003 reported on Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly proceedings; Murasoli carried a Tamil translation on 26‑04‑2003.
- Committee Action: The Committee of Privileges met on 05‑05‑2003, held the statements prima facie a breach of privilege, and issued notices to the petitioners to appear on 12‑05‑2003.
- Assembly Resolution 07‑11‑2003: Declared the publications a gross contempt of the House, sentencing the petitioners to simple imprisonment for fifteen days.
- Subsequent Development: On 30‑07‑2004 the Assembly unanimously resolved to withdraw the 07‑11‑2003 resolution (affidavit by Secretary V. Rajaraman dated 24‑08‑2004).
- Judicial History: The matter was initially referred to a Five‑Judge Bench (order dated 08‑12‑2003) and later to a Seven‑Judge Bench due to perceived inconsistencies in earlier precedents.
- Court’s Recognition: Upon hearing counsel, the Court noted the withdrawal resolution and agreed that the petitions were rendered infructuous.
Final Outcome
- The writ petitions are disposed of as infructuous.
- All pending applications, including any intervention applications, are closed.
- The substantive constitutional questions concerning the interplay of Articles 194(3), 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution are left open for adjudication in an appropriate proceeding at a later date.
Topics: Legislative Privilege, Freedom of Speech