All Tips

Freedom of Press
Unlike American and some other Constitutions in which Freedom of the Press is mentioned as one of the fundamental freedoms, the Indian Constitution does not explicitly mention 'Freedom of the Press'; the Fundamental Rights Clause of the Indian Constitution treats Freedom of the Press as an aspect of the large 'Freedom of Expression'.

Article 19(1) of the Constitution guarantees, "The right to freedom of speech and expression to all citizens". This freedom has been interpreted by the Courts to include freedom of the Press under the Constitution (First Amendment Act of 1951). However, right to speech and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution is not out of restrictions. The Parliament can pass legislation reasonably imposing limitations on exercise of this right. Therefore, the Constitution further states, "In the interest of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality in relation to contempt of Court, defamation or incitement to an offence, the words 'reasonable restriction' make such legislation justifiable".