Er. Prabhat Kishore
Each time a political party in power finds itself unable to withstand public criticism, it tends to tighten its grip on the media. The freedom of the press is closely linked with the free functioning of governance; therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the government to ensure that the press remains free. Only a free press can truly serve the people.
There is considerable debate surrounding the scope and limits of press freedom. What should be the duty of the press if it observes that the administrative machinery of a government is inefficient, or that its economic policies are sluggish and promises made to the electorate remain unfulfilled? In such circumstances, a responsible newspaper is duty-bound to criticize such inaction. If the press merely confines itself to publishing official press notes, then who will highlight the lapses of the government? Holding power accountable is not just a role but a responsibility of responsible journalism. The press acts as a vital pillar in maintaining checks and balances within the system. Whenever social evils, corruption, or oppression surface, the press is often the first to raise its voice.
Historically, this tension has been evident. During the Emergency period in 1974, a senior journalist wrote to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, drawing attention to the restrictions imposed on the press. In response, her office remarked: “Because of the restrictions imposed on newspapers, the situation in the entire country has changed during the past days. Freedom of the press is only a part of the freedom of individuals, and all over the world, in times of emergency, this freedom is curtailed. Besides, the press has used its freedom in an undesirable manner. Not only false and mischievous reports have appeared, but there have also been numerous instances of inadvertent and malicious writings in newspapers.”
A conscientious journalist must weigh such perspectives carefully and arrive at independent conclusions guided by professional ethics and personal conscience. Indira Gandhi’s father, Jawaharlal Nehru, was known for his liberal views on press freedom. He once observed, “I am against any sort of restrictions on the press, in spite of the fact that I know there is danger in such a policy.” However, absolute freedom without responsibility can also create challenges. Irresponsible journalism has the potential to trigger national or even international complications through reckless or misleading reporting. This raises an enduring question: should press freedom be absolute, or should it operate within reasonable limits?
Do’s & Don’ts for a Scribe
Libel, defamation, contempt of court, and privilege motion—these four areas remain critical danger points in a reporter’s work. Every journalist must exercise caution while dealing with these aspects. Any lapse in reporting that results in defamatory content, contempt of court, or breach of legislative privilege can have serious consequences—not only for the reporter but also for the editor, publisher, and the organization as a whole.
A reporter must constantly evaluate whether their writing could harm someone’s reputation unfairly, violate judicial boundaries, or invite legislative action. Avoiding these pitfalls is essential for maintaining credibility and professional integrity.
Freedom of the press is indispensable for the smooth functioning of a democracy. Whenever attempts have been made to suppress it, public resistance has followed. However, with freedom comes responsibility. The press must remain objective and balanced. Under the guise of free expression, it cannot justify content that undermines the sovereignty, integrity, or social harmony of the nation. The Constitution of India, under Article 19(1)(a), guarantees freedom of speech and expression, while Article 19(2) provides for reasonable restrictions in the interest of national security, public order, and integrity.
