Journalist Seema Chishti seeks to intervene in Supreme Court reference on legislative privileges before seven-judge bench
30 September 2026
Journalist Seema Chishti, Editor at The Wire, has sought to intervene in the Supreme Court reference on legislative privileges.
A seven-judge Constitution Bench is to hear the matter from 6 October 2026.
The reference is N. Ravi and others v. Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Chennai and others, which arises from a 2003 Tamil Nadu Assembly action against The Hindu's editorial staff.
The central question is whether privileges under Article 194 can prevail over the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
Bench:
Seven-judge Constitution Bench
Hearing from:
6 October 2026
Articles:
194 and 19(1)(a)
Why it matters for exams: Legislative privileges versus fundamental rights is a core constitutional-law topic.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Article 194 Powers, privileges and immunities of State Legislatures — Covers the privileges of State Legislature members and committees.