Press freedom has been under threat since independence, it’s not a 10 year phenomenon. Here’s why,
- The Indian penal code till date contains provisions like the section 295A and 153A which were introduced in the year 1898 and 1927 respectively to curb hate speech in the most vague manner for example in 295A- “Whoever with deliberate and malicious intention outrages religions feeling” (Here who is to gauge on the intention of the person) and 153A has even more grey areas by including terms like “or on any ground whatsoever”, “insecurity amongst members” etc.
- Further Mr. Nehru one of our founding fathers who was supposed to be a democratic and liberal leader. He introduced the first amendment with clauses of reasonable restrictions on free speech like public decency which is so subjective in nature.
- During Nehru’s reign, more than a dozen books were censored. Some faced the axe for fear of offending religious sensibilities, while others, like Alexander Campbell’s “The Heart of India” (1959), were banned for satirising India’s bureaucracy and economic policymaking in a fictionalised manner.
- The draconian act the Press (Objectionable Matter) Act, 1951 was enacted which was so vague and broad in language that it led to arbitrary interpretation and enforcement. Additionally, the Act did not provide clear guidelines for what constituted “objectionable matter,” leaving room for subjective interpretation.Also due the lack of a clear redressal mechanism there are limited avenues for the publisher to challenge the decision or seek recourse if his content is termed objectionable.
- These are just a few illustrations, and we have numerous examples of the misuse of laws to curtail press freedom. From the treatment of journalists during the Emergency period, the provisions of the Press Council of India Act, Rajiv Gandhi’s Anti-Defamation Bill of 1988, to Section 66A of the IT Act etc.
Also it is not a party centric phenomenon. Here’s why,
- If in UP a journalist like Sanjay Rana asking questions about lack of implementation of promises can be arrested then in Kolkata also journalist like Santu Pan of the channel Republic Bangla get arrested for covering the developments in Sandeshkhali on live TV. Even in Kerala the “liberal” CPI(M)’s state secretary M.V. Govindan said that the media will face action for reporting against the government in the state. He threatened to sue media channels if they “continue to indulge in anti-government, anti-SFI campaign.”
- Critics argue how there has been a 28% annual rise in Sedition cases between 2014 to 2020 then please justify why in 2012 alone, over 56000 people were arbitrarily detained, over 23000 were arbitrarily arrested, with over 9000 slapped with sedition charges and all this for simply protesting against an upcoming nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. In sharp contrast, under the Modi government, there were barely 326 sedition cases that were filed between 2014 and 2019.
Coming onto the very famously quoted press freedom index 2024 in which India has secured a rank of 159 out of 180 countries. I have a few questions to those who rely on this index?
- Justify why you think Pakistan deserves a rank of 152 in comparison to India and How Pakistan’s media is more free in terms of state control or rather I should say military control than India?
- Explain me how can I trust the methodology of this ranking when there is no background given as to who are these experts who make this index what are there political affiliations, which country they belong to. Why should I find it credible if I don’t know this information?
- Why should I place trust in an ostensibly independent organisation advocating for press freedom and journalistic integrity when there is a lack of clarity regarding its funding sources, leaving room for speculation about the organisation’s autonomy and underlying intentions?
- Even if one were to find full credibility and transparency in the Press Freedom Index, a further question arises: If India’s rank declined from 140th in 2014 to 159th in 2024 during the Modi era, why did it also decline from 80th in the inaugural WPFI report in 2002 to 131st in 2012 and further to 140th in 2014 in the “Golden era of democracy under UPA”?
So, nothing has changed in terms of media suppression, but the question is, as the Left projects: Has it actually gotten worse?
Only the ways to regulate it has changed because the way to stimulate the information has changed!
Why it matters for me?
As an informed citizen, it matters to me that the narrative around press freedom in India is accurate and comprehensive. In India the press freedom is under threat from the day we became a republic. However, recent propaganda has pressed this issue in a way so that they can portray that it is under threat only in these past 10 years. It’s just that the government’s approach to controlling the press has adapted to the influx of information on social media.
The BJP government is pushing for new laws like the Broadcasting Bill, amendments to the IT Act, and guidelines for regulating OTT platforms, all responding to the digital age. However, what stands is that if the congress used Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) 1971 to silence journalists this government uses amended UAPA to do the same. So saying that the 3rd pillar of democracy has died under Mr. Modi, sorry then it died the day we got independent.
Why it should matter for you?
The Importance of Press Freedom
Press freedom is a crucial aspect of democracy, playing a vital role in safeguarding democratic values and fostering a transparent and accountable government. It is enshrined in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, and its importance has been emphasized by the judiciary through numerous landmark verdicts, including Romesh Thappar vs. State of Madras, Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India, and the recent case involving Newsclick.
Objective of This Opinion Piece
The point of this opinion piece is not to suggest that the current government’s actions regarding press freedom are entirely acceptable or reasonable. Rather, it aims to demonstrate that these actions are not unprecedented. A narrative is being pushed by some propagandists that we are living in a dictatorial era, citing the current government’s approach to free speech as one of the primary reasons. This narrative needs to be scrutinised.
The Evolving Landscape of Information
We need to understand that the nature of information dissemination has changed significantly over time. Fifteen years ago, newspapers, radios, and television were the primary sources of news. Today, we have OTT platforms, social media, and numerous other channels that allow for the expression of dissent. This influx of information has led governments to introduce new laws to manage and control these platforms, as no government wants to face unchecked criticism. This trend is not unique to any single party; it is a common response across all political spectrums.
Promoting Balanced Perspectives on Press Freedom
Criticising the government whenever it takes steps to restrict press freedom is extremely important. However, propagating the narrative that only the current government is responsible for such actions is problematic, as it generates misinformation among citizens. Therefore, this opinion piece is my small contribution to breaking that misleading narrative and providing a more balanced perspective.