Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Press and Freedom of Expression' that was published in Newsband

Press and Freedom of Expression

The problems are faced by the press in places described as conflict zones. The media persons are trapped between the state armed with the law to enforce varying degrees of censorship, and militant groups who use all methods of intimidation to have their versions published. There is a clause in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, under which the press can be made accountable in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

Such crucial technicalities question about both the freedom of expression and the independence of the press. What are — or, should be — the red lines in safeguarding free speech and fair reportage, critical to holding power to account?

Truth should be told. There is nothing called 'free speech' or 'freedom of expression' or 'independence of the press' when there is a threat to the State and the security of the people. The banned organizations are engaged in an armed insurrection against our country from safe havens abroad, getting support from inimical states such as Pakistan & China. The first duties of any government are to maintain complete sovereignty and security of its land. Others, including the Fourth Estate, are expected to help the Government achieve that even by subjecting themselves to inconveniences, foregoing some of their rights which they otherwise are entitled to in normal times etc. The media MUST recognize that there is no overarching 'freedom of the press' that subsumes everything else.

One cannot deny that freedom of expression or Press is very often being violated by the print media beyond tolerance which may lead to public disorder. Not only that, frank and free opinion of the genuine reader which may not be comfortable to the Newspaper is censored in the name of moderation. Print media should try to correct itself to allow freedom before they expect freedom from others.

Freedom of Press is not an absolute one nor a part of the basic principles of our Constitution. It is derived from the citizens' right to freedom of speech. Many press and channels are patronized by vested political lobby and by groups with questionable integrity. In the name of awakening the wisdom of general public, our media is engaged in (1) moulding the public ashamed of our national heritage (2) justifying the unruly acts of anti-national elements (3) confusing the common man about priority of problems facing the nation and (4) shielding their political (pay) master's corrupt deals by releasing false documents and news. Running a media is simply a business and they cannot escape under the noble word of ''press freedom''. Like any other business this is liable to be scrutinized by government of the day.

It's quite necessary to define as to what are the limits of press and media as many a times electronic and print both seems to favor a particular industry or party for their benefit, and many times government becomes selective in curbing rights of press in the name of nation’s interest. The media in India of late has been irresponsible and pushing the issue of freedom of expression far too beyond the limits. No freedom is absolute and no freedom permits unfair reporting.