In today’s world and particularly in a democratic set-up like India, a free media is not only beneficial, but necessary in a free society and any attack on the freedom of press would jeopardise the citizens’ rights. If faced with restrictions or threat of an attack, self-censorship in the media could have wrong impact even on the State. The constitutional framework provided for the required intervention by the State to ensure a smooth working of the press and society. In an open society like ours, there is a need for a responsible press to hold those in power to account. There have been instances where journalists were not being allowed to write what they want to. Such kinds of dictations have no place in a democratic set-up and also media needs to be equally aware of the reasonable restrictions. That is why the freedom of press under Article 19(1)(A) of the Constitution is subject only to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, public order, decency, contempt of court, defamation and incitement to an offence. Journalists should be absolutely comfortable and that is the spirit the government should expect from media persons.
