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Press Freedom in India

International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 2018

Freedom of Expression has always been emphasized as an essential basis for the democratic functioning of a society. Freedom of Press has remained an issue that has led to endless number of debates across the democratic world in the past few decades. The democratic credentials of a state are judged today by the extent of the freedom press enjoys in that state. The Press provides comprehensive and objective Information of all aspects of the country’s Social, Political, Economic and Cultural life.

Media freedom and press regulations

Journal of Historical Research , 2023

Abstract This research article explores the state of media freedom and press regulations in Karnataka, a state in southern India. The study aims to shed light on the existing legal framework governing media operations and the extent to which it upholds freedom of the press. By examining the challenges faced by journalists and media organizations in Karnataka, this article offers insights into the broader implications for democracy, accountability, and transparency in the region. The research incorporates an analysis of relevant legislation, case studies, and interviews with media professionals to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of media freedom in Karnataka. Key words: Media freedom, Press regulations, Karnataka, Comprehensive analysis, Democracy, Information flow, Transparency, Accountability, Media landscape.

MEDIA CENSORSHIP IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR: A CHRONICLE

Research Directions , 2019

There is nothing unknown about gags, bans, and restrictions on press. From the beginning of the printed text, there have been attempts to restrict the distribution of the certain information that the concerned individuals, organisations, parties, government or nation states may deem adverse to their interests. Throughout the world, the freedom of press has been curtailed at some point in time and there are historical events that elaborate upon how resources have been utilised to muzzle the voices that media tries to take to its audiences or the affected lot. Though it holds true that the freedom of speech and expression forms the cornerstone of any democracy, incidents of banning the press have been reported in abundance. There have been attempts to curb the press freedom but the voices against it also have been raised and significant resistance has led to a media industry of today that can boast of exposing the fallacies of people and systems. The institutional curbs on the freedom of press, purportedly, were put to normalise a situation of uncertainty and to block an alternative perspective, however, time and again it was met with serious resistance by the concerned thinkers and individuals. Such altercations led to formation of laws and guidelines to safeguard the freedom of press and also to put a check on the irresponsible flow of information. The notably resistance which can be traced to the historical philosophers is the Areopagitica by John Milton (1644) in which he criticized the England Parliament's 1643 Ordinance for the Regulating of Printing. His choice of printing and then distribution of his work in shape of pamphlets criticizing the existing law at that time was a defiance to the censor ship that as put on the printing of text at that time. Arguably, Milton‟s stand at that time was an absolute example of how the curbs by government institutions were met with resistance when put in public domain. The curbs are put on media in this age as well, equal resistance by the media practitioners and thinkers has been put forth. In India, the censorship and bans date back to its pre-Independence era. The introduction of Gagging Act in 1857 was is a documented evidence of how the Britishers wanted to curb the flow of information, which was used by Indian resistance leadership to mobilise the masses against the occupation. The Vernacular Press Act of 1887 and other stringent measures were adopted by the British government to curb the freedom of press in India. After Independence, there have also been incidents and measures taken by the government to curb the press freedom in India. Overt and covert attempts to muzzle press have been made which includes suspending publications, stopping of advertisements etc. Jammu and Kashmir, being a conflict-hit state in India, historically has been a vibrant society as for as media is concerned. With the publication of its first newspaper, Bidiya Bilas, in 1867, the historicity as well as censorship dates back to long time. The latest gag on newspapers in Kashmir was put in 2016 but there have been past incidences where the government of the time has used various methods to restrict, curb or end the freedom of press in Kashmir. This paper has l, thus, attempted to record the history of restrictions on the freedom of newspapers in Kashmir and also included events that led to the government action as well as the response by the publishers, editors and journalists.

Freedom of Speech and Expression; Indian Constitution: an Overview

The Constitution of India gives a free democratic government to its people. Freedom of speech and expression is a sacred icon in the Constitution’s inner sanctum, which has been provided to the people in the Fundamental Rights chapter. This freedom is a central tenet of India’s constitutional faith. The members of the constituent Assembly had seen the oppressive and discriminatory regime of the Britishers. They all valued Freedom and Liberty. Textually, it is recognized in article 19 that also lists certain other fundamental freedoms that Indian citizens enjoy. Clause (1) (a) of that article protects free speech. With the help of some early cases involving Freedom of Speech and Expression, my paper would try to emphasize the importance of Freedom of Speech and Expression in any society and political set up. Prior restraint in the form of censorship is really a big challenge to the right of freedom of speech and expression, because in such a case, the creativity of the author may not see the light of the day. My Paper would focus on the fact that, the freedom of speech is the first pre-requisite of liberty. It occupies a preferred and important position in the hierarchy of the liberty, it is truly said about the freedom of speech that it is the mother of all other liberties. Freedom of Speech and expression means the right to express one's own views and opinions freely by words of mouth, writing, printing, pictures or any other mode. In present times, it is widely accepted that the right to freedom of speech is the essence of free society and it must be protected at all time. The first principle of a free society is a free flow of words in an open forum. Liberty to express opinions and ideas without hindrance, and especially without fear of punishment plays a vital role in the development of that particular society and ultimately for that state. It is one of the most important fundamental freedom liberties guaranteed against state suppression or regulation.