FREEDOM OF MEDIA IN INDIA – (A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE)

2021

LL.M. Assignment Paper

Society Language and Culture – A Multidisciplinary Peer-Reviewed Journal, 2022

Democracy is one of the best produces of human civilization and the space of democracy has been shrinking all over the world including India. As per the observation of various independent national and international bodies curtailing press freedom is one of the prominent outcomes in this milieu. The Press have been universally recognised as an embodiment of truth for the high ethical standards of objectivity. It is a pivotal actor in the process of promoting pluralism in a country. India as a democracy has been going through relentless transformation since it adopted political emancipation in 1947. Paradoxically two strong notions came into the contemporary surface where freedom of press is being muzzled by agencies of establishment and on the other hand, press is also losing its integrity in a fiercely competitive open market system. In this context, the article will probe into the vulnerability and virtuous role of the press in contemporary India within the aspects of its social accountability, transparency, and intervention on its freedom on the part of the state and non-state actors.

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.

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Journal of Historical Research, 2023

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.

2021

Free press and media can be defined as tools provided to media organizations which are not controlled or restricted by government censorship in political or ideological matters. The Constitution of India provides freedom to the press so that they can express and criticize the government as well as their actions in a balanced manner. While the exact definition is variable, politics can be generally defined as a component of a nation, structured in a hierarchical order, with a responsibility to govern and ensure the well-being of the citizens. The main objective of the paper is to investigate the relationship between Media and politics and the impact they have on each other. In total, 208 people were received and were used for the final analysis and to explore the current sociopolitical scenario in the country due to the lockdown imposed during AprilMay, 2021. The sample size satisfies the requirements for the result analysis The random sampling method was used to establish a link bet...

The Age of Human Rights Journal

Investigative Journalism is the act of the journalists which goes beyond simple reporting of events in the press. It involves newsgathering by taking an initiative to get the required information. The information in this case is not easily available. The extra effort taken for this type of newsgathering is termed investigative journalism. This method has gained great momentum in India. The need for this study is motivated by the fact that though India is a party to United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the subsequent ICCPR 1966, it has failed to make Privacy a part of the Indian Constitution while Press is accepted as a fundamental right. Today the press in India like in other nations is under the control of multinationals, which use this as a weapon to dictate the government and the masses. It is in this scenario that this study becomes relevant, where due to lack of legislative intent the media has become an unbridled horse. This makes an individual vulnerable to media at...

Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, "Media Trial in India : Legal Issues and Challenges", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 11, page no. pp241-246, November-2018, Avail..., 2018

The Media’s key role in democratic governance has been recognized since the late 17th century and remains a fundamental principle of modern day democratic theory and practice. It has played a very important role in shaping human minds. It is through media that people become aware of so many aspects of life of which they are normally ignorant. Democracy is meaningless without a free, neutral and active media. They act as a string between the government and the citizens of the country, people have faith in media as it has an impact on the audience. Media plays a vital role in shaping a healthy democracy. It is the backbone of a democracy. Media makes us aware of various social, political and economical activities happening around the world. It is like a mirror, which shows us the naked truth and harsh realities of life. The impact of media is really remarkable. Media gives positive as well as negative impacts in the society. As far as administration of justice is concerned, Media interferes in the domain of judiciary. The basic principle of criminal jurisprudence is jeopardized. The Researcher in the present paper highlights the legal issues involved in media trial in India.

International Journal of Media, Journalism and Mass Communications, 2020

If there is a first stage of freedom in any country, then it is the freedom of expression. If the person will not have the freedom to speak, then surely there is no other freedom for him. The right to express itself gives birth to all other rights. The whole world looks at the media to have access the true and correct information. But with the increase of Paid News and Yellow Journalism, the legitimacy of information given by media is vulnerable. As the unethical characters are coming out of the media industry and forced the policy makers to think about it to introduce new laws and regulations to maintain its place in the hearts of common man. Section 19-1 (a) of constitution tells us about the freedom of speech but one has to be very clear about the use of these rights given. If we fail to do so then needs arise to put cap on that, which is inhuman and unethical as this deprives one to access its rights.

This study examines the role of media in contemporary India, highlighting its significance as the “Fourth Pillar of Democracy.” It explores how print, broadcast, and digital media contribute to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement while promoting legal awareness and social participation. The research underscores the transformative impact of digital platforms and social media, which have democratized information dissemination and facilitated citizen journalism. At the same time, the study identifies critical challenges, including political and corporate influence, sensationalism, misinformation, and declining press freedom, which threaten media credibility. The legal and regulatory framework, including constitutional provisions, the Press Council of India, IT Rules, and judicial safeguards, is analyzed to understand how media freedom is balanced with responsibility. The findings reveal a dynamic tension between freedom and accountability, emphasizing the need for strengthened self-regulation, ethical journalism, and digital literacy. The study concludes that a free, responsible, and ethical media is indispensable for sustaining democracy and protecting citizens’ rights in India.