The record of freedom of the press in India has been by and large laudable barring few exceptions. Indian Constitution does not specifically mention freedom of the press. But freedom of expression under article 19 has been interpreted by the courts to include freedom of the press. All the same the freedom of press does not mean a licence. It is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states and public order.

Our newspapers are protected against actions in the courts for publishing the proceedings of parliament. There are many acts to protect freedom of the press. Also, Indian press generally recognises citizens’ right to privacy. The Press Council of India was established in 1966. It looks after preserving the freedom of the press and raising standards of newspapers, magazines and news agencies by developing a code of conduct. But electronic media does not come under the purview of the Press Council of India.

The press is the fourth estate of any democracy in the world. Free press is the reflection of public opinion and also the plans, policies and programmes of the governments. Press is like a barometer. No doubt free press builds the bridges of understanding between the people and the govt. The press is supposed to expose the misdeeds of the govt. through fearless and impartial expression.

The press should not play into the hands of particular political party to reap financial benefits. It is charged against the press that they plant stories to destabilise a government at the behest of opposition parties. Even the press is alleged to be playing in the hands of foreign countries. If freedom is the breath of healthy press, a healthy press is the basis of healthy democracy.

The days are gone when a newspaper would force a corrupt minister to resign overnight. Some press agencies, though not all, today are willing tools. They join in chorus to defame persons who dare to disclose the dishonest dealings of those in power. They are no more the voice of the people. On most of the national problems misinformation does the rounds in press. They seem to conceal more than expose when it comes to the powers that matter. A few newspapers and channels have taken upon themselves to see that the opposition parties should be represented in an unfavourable light. They never question the apparent motivated investigations of the premier agencies.

Media trials don the roles of accuser, a prosecutor and a judge. The victim dies a social death long before the decision of the court. The general perception of the people is that the fourth pillar of democracy alone is preventing the government from sagging. This is not real journalism which is enlightened, corrective and informative. Apart from editorial we read for views of the press, their headlines and bylines exhibit highly prejudiced reports. We do not have that illustrious generation of journalists of the past – free, frank and fearless.

Freedom of press should not be considered as a licence to write and say anything against anybody. A free press is supposed to provide free flow of knowledge. Even a free press is supposed to have its code of ethics and conduct. They must not act against the national interests. They must not indulge in witch-hunting. Instead it should provide free and impartial knowledge and healthy criticism of the activities politicians. It must not indulge in yellow journalism and character assassination. The role of Indian press, in many contexts, has been praiseworthy and it has done a remarkable job in exposing scams and scandals in defence and other deals.

But the dubious kind of journalism erodes the credibility of the press. With the advent of cable TV and foreign channels, citizens must be vigilant to see through the designs of the reporters and the quality of reporting. Just as press needs to be vigilant, the public should also be discriminatory in analyzing the truthfulness of the news or otherwise. An enlightened readership is the greatest restraint on misrepresentation of the facts by the media.