US Supreme Court Declines to Review SEC 'Gag Order' Policy Constitutionality

Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to SEC's Rescinded Gag Order Policy

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to review the constitutionality of a now-rescinded Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) policy. The policy required individuals and companies that reached enforcement settlements with the SEC to refrain from publicly criticizing or questioning the agency's allegations — a provision widely known as a 'gag order.' Without providing any explanation, the justices rejected a challenge that argued the policy violated First Amendment free speech rights. Although the rule has been revoked by the SEC, the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case effectively upholds the policy's past application and ends further judicial scrutiny of its constitutionality.