When a political party in power is unable to withstand public criticism, it considers tightening the screw on the media, but press freedom is essential for functioning of democracy.
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Each time a political party in power is unable to withstand public criticism, it considers tightening the screw on the media. The freedom of the press depends upon free functioning of government. So the government should try to keep the press free. Only a free press can serve the people best.
There is lot of controversy about freedom of press. What would be the duty of the press, if it finds that the administrative machinery of a particular government is sloth, or its economic policy is extremely sluggish and the government would not care to implement the promises made to the electorate? In such a case, a responsible newspaper would surly criticise the inaction of that government. If newspapers confine its journalistic activities only by publishing the official press-notes, then which agency would point out the lapses of the government? Highlighting lapses of the government is surely the duty of responsible journalists. The press has been given the responsibility of checking and balancing the administration and the government. Whenever there is a social evil lurking or corruption and oppression happens, the press is the first one to raise a voice.
In fact, a very senior and well known journalist wrote, almost in identical forms, a letter to Mrs Indira Gandhi during the emergency period in 1974. He drew her attention to the restriction imposed on newspapers. A conscientious journalist must weigh the viewpoints very carefully and draw his own conclusion independently. But, what Mrs Gandhi’s Sachivalaya wrote in reply is also remarkable: “Because of the restrictions imposed on newspapers, situation in the entire country has changed during the past days. Freedom of press is only a part of the freedom of individuals and all over the world in times of emergency this freedom is curbed. Besides, the press has used the freedom of press in an unwanted manner. Not only false and mischievous reports have found its way in the press, but these have been innumerable instances of inadvertent and malicious writings in mass newspapers.”
Now a journalist must carefully study both points of view and shape his or her career as per the dictates of their conscience. Mrs Gandhi’s father, Mr Jawahar Lal Nehru, was of course extremely liberal. He once said, “I am against any sort of restrictions on press, in spite of the fact that I know there is danger in such a policy.” But if followed as advocated by Nehru, there may emerge a situation in the state which might be difficult to manage. Irresponsible men in the profession of ‘Journalism’ are those who may cause national or international complications by scurrilous and irresponsible writings. Thus the question arises whether reasonable restrictions on press freedom are desirable or a complete press freedom is desirable?
Dos and don’ts for a scribe
Libel, defamation, contempt and privilege motion- these four items are the danger points in a reporter’s work. Every reporter must be cautious while writing the report about these four danger points. If per chance a reporter makes any mistake in report which may be libelous, defamatory or attract contempt of court or may invite a privilege motion in a legislature, it may endanger the paper, editor, publisher and himself or herself.
A reporter must be cautious whether he/she has written anything about anyone which may be defamatory or which may be construed as contempt of court or which may invite a privilege motion in a legislature. He should always try to avoid these danger points while writing his report.
A reporter must be careful not to write anything that could be deemed defamatory, construed as contempt of court, or invite a privilege motion in a legislature. He or she should avoid this while writing reports.
Freedom of press is essential for smooth functioning of democracy. Whenever an administration tried to shackle the press, people’s revolt take place. But the press too has huge responsibility on its shoulders. It must be neutral. In the name of right to freedom of expression, it cannot misuse its power by publish anything, which is against the soul and sovereignty of the nation and its people. Article 19(1A) of the Indian Constitution provides safeguard for freedom of speech and expression, while 19(2) empowers the state to impose reasonable restrictions on expressions that are deemed anti-national or anti-constitutional.
Er. Prabhat Kishore
(The writer is a technocrat and educationist. He studied Journalism and Mass Communication at Patna University)