National Press Day 2024: 10 things to know about the right to freedom of speech in India

November 16 is marked as National Press Day in India, commemorating the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966. It is an occasion to recognise the role of the press in India.

In a democratic society like India, the press is often referred to as the “fourth pillar of democracy”. It has the power to hold the government accountable and disseminate news and information freely.

The PCI was formed under the Press Council Act passed by Parliament to safeguard the freedom of the press.

This year’s theme for the National Press Day is, “changing nature of the press”. The official function will be held at the National Media Centre in Delhi, where Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw will open the event.

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Here are ten things to know about the right to freedom of speech in India:

2. Constitutional guarantee: Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution is a cornerstone of the country’s democracy as it guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression to every Indian citizen. More or less, the freedom of the press to write, publish and disseminate information is also enshrined in this article.

3. Reasonable restrictions: While the right to freedom of speech and expression is fundamental, but not absolute. Article 19 (2) of the Indian Constitution outlines certain reasonable restrictions on the grounds of: national security, public order and decency.

4. Freedom of the press: The freedom of the press is conclusive of the right to freedom of speech and expression. This right allows the Indian press to share information without any fear and hold the government accountable. It is the responsibility of the press to uphold journalistic standards and maintain transparency.

5. Press Council of India: India has the Press Club of India (PCI) as a statutory and somewhat adjudicatory body to act as a watchdog for the press — it is also a body of the press and by the press. It consists of a chairman and 28 other members. The PCI is responsible for preserving press freedom and maintaining ethical journalism.

6. Challenges before PCI: With new information technology exploding in recent years, the PCI faces a tough challenge as a self-regulating body for the Indian press. Earlier, it largely kept eyes on newsprint, and later new television. The onset of news-on-the-internet through well-established news organisations as well as news contributors over platforms including social media has made the role of the PCI intricately difficult and immensely challenging when political players may push their respective narratives almost without any gate-keeping, which has been a hallmark of journalism.

7. Fake news versus freedom of speech: New media technology has also led to what is called fake news. Misinformation camouflaged as news has become a real threat to freedom of speech as people have access to news platforms that may suit their own notions, assumptions and prejudices.

8. Protection of journalistic freedom: The PCI, to whom the National Press Day is dedicated, has the onerous responsibility of protecting the rights of free speech and the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of speech to journalists.

9. Balance between freedom and responsibility: As the fourth pillar of democracy, the Indian media has the responsibility to disseminate fair, accurate and unbiased information. While freedom of speech is essential, it should be exercised responsibly without spreading misinformation or hatred.

10. World press freedom: There is a separate World Press Freedom Day commemorated on May 3 — according to a United Nations General Assembly resolution. This day is marked to raise awareness and remind the authorities about its commitment towards press freedom.

11. World Press Freedom Index: The Reporters Without Borders (RWB) organisation releases the press freedom index every year. Last year, India showed a marginal improvement in ranking to 159 out of 180 nations examined for media freedoms.