PRABHA DUTT vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court ruled that the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution does not grant the Press an unrestricted right to interview prisoners, particularly those sentenced to death under Section 302 IPC. The Court emphasized that such interviews can only occur if the prisoners are willing to participate, and there was no evidence presented to confirm their willingness. Consequently, the petition for a writ of mandamus to allow the interview was dismissed, as the legal obligation to provide information to the Press does not extend to unwilling individuals.