Press Freedom is essential for democracy

By: Er Prabhat Kishore
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 criticize the inaction of that government? If the newspaper confines 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 he should shape his own career as per the dictates of his own 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’s freedom are desirable or a complete press freedom is desirable?
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 the reporter commits any mistake in his reports which may be libelous, defamatory or contempt of court or may invite a privilege motion in a legislature, it may endanger his paper, his editor, printer and the reporter himself.
A reporter must be cautious whether he 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.
Freedom of press is essential for smooth functioning of democracy. Whenever an administration tried to shackle the Press, people’s revolt took place. But the press too has huge responsibility on its shoulders. They must be neutral. On the name of right to free expressions, they cannot misuse their power by publish anything, which is against the soul and sovereignty of the nation and its people. Article 19(1A) and 19(2) of the Indian constitution provides proper safeguard for freedom of speech & expression and reasonable restrictions on anti-national and anti-constitutional expressions.
(The author is a technocrat & academician. He holds Master in Engineering from M.N. Regional Engineering College, Allahabad/Prayagraj)