Author: Bhanu Chandra Jyothi. Kurma, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidhyalayam
TO THE POINT
Media plays crucial role in Politics in olden days only News paper are the source to have political new and currents affairs of the nation. In olden days news was read in radios and printed in News papers by increasing of technology now New relating to politics and international was seen in televisions and smart phones. In olden days News has high value compared to present days they used to publish and telecast the News to favour of any political party as like now. New and media plays a vital role in political it delivers the information to public with out any fear and bring awareness in the society.
USE OF LEGAL JARGON
Constitutional Provisions
1. Article 19(1)(a): Guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, which includes the freedom of the press.
2. Article 19(2): Allows for reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression in the interests of sovereignty, integrity, and security of the state.
Laws Regulating Media
1. The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867: Regulates the publication of newspapers and books.
2. The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: Regulates the transmission of messages by telegraph.
3. The Cinematograph Act, 1952: Regulates the exhibition of cinematograph films.
4. The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: Regulates the operation of cable television networks.
Defamation and Libel
1. Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code: Defines defamation and prescribes penalties for defamatory statements.
2. Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code: Prescribes penalties for libel.
Right to Information
1. The Right to Information Act, 2005: Provides citizens with the right to access information from public authorities.
Contempt of Court
1. Section 2 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971: Defines contempt of court and prescribes penalties for contemptuous behaviour.
Other Key Terms
1. Public Interest Litigation (PIL): A legal mechanism that allows citizens to approach the courts to enforce rights and remedies in the public interest.
2. Media Trial: The phenomenon of media outlets conducting their own trials and investigations, often leading to a perceived miscarriage of justice.
TO THE PROOF
Constitutional Documents
1. Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India: Guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, which includes the freedom of the press.
2. Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India: Allows for reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression in the interests of sovereignty, integrity, and security of the state.
Media Regulations
1. The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867: Regulates the publication of newspapers and books.
2. The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: Regulates the operation of cable television networks.
3. The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) Guidelines: Provides guidelines for news broadcasting in India.
Media Coverage of Politics
1. News Articles and Editorials: Published in newspapers, magazines, and online news portals.
2. Television News Broadcasts: Telecast on news channels, such as CNN-News18, NDTV, and Republic TV.
3. Social Media Posts: Published on social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Public Opinion and Perception
1. Public Opinion Polls: Conducted by organizations, such as the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and the Pew Research Centre.
2. Social Media Analytics: Provides insights into public opinion and sentiment on social media platforms.
3. Citizen Journalism: Reports and articles published by citizens on online platforms.
Court Judgments and Orders
1. Supreme Court Judgments: On cases related to media freedom, defamation, and contempt of court.
2. High Court Orders: On cases related to media regulation, censorship, and freedom of speech.
ABSTRACT
Media is the important source to deliver the information relating to politics, government and international issues. In olden days media was in the form of News papers and radios by increasing of technology it was transferred to television and now every unwanted News coming into our hand in the form of our smart phones. In olden days News was published not to supporting any political party or any individual, but in present days regional News channels are promoting News in favour of some political parties. In olden days what was came in the New which may be in the form of Radio or Newspaper is treated as accurate and without any fault, but at present News are supporting a particular party or a person changing the meaning of News and making it as a dustbin to the society. Media is the barrier between the government and public which gives information about government to the public and tells the public problems to government. The News papers which are established after Independence was serving the public accurate news while regional News papers promoting their own prospective towards politics.
CASE LAWS
Influence on Public Opinion
– Sanjay Dutt Case: The media’s portrayal of Sanjay Dutt as a terrorist led to a significant impact on his reputation, despite being acquitted of terrorism charges.
– Sheena Bora Murder Case: The media’s extensive coverage of the case led to a trial by media, where the accused, Indrani Mukerjea, was presumed guilty even before the court’s verdict ¹.
Media Trials
– Jessica Lal Murder Case: The media’s coverage of the case led to widespread outrage and public pressure, resulting in the reopening of the case and the eventual conviction of the accused.
– Arushi-Hemraj Murder Case: The media’s sensational coverage of the case raised questions about the character of the victim and the accused, leading to a trial by media.
Impact on Judiciary
– Yakub Menon Case: The media’s coverage of the case led to a significant impact on the judiciary, with the lawyer defending the accused facing criticism and making it difficult for them to fulfil their ethical duty ¹.
– Saibal Kumar Gupta and Ors. v. B.K. Sen and Anr. (1961): The Supreme Court held that trial by newspapers must be prohibited, as it tends to interfere with the course of justice.
Other Notable Cases
– Ayodhya Dispute: The media’s coverage of the case highlighted the religious and political sensitivities involved, leading to widespread debates and discussions.
– Sunanda Pushkar Murder Case: The media’s coverage of the case raised questions about the character of the accused and the investigation, leading to a trial by media.
CONCLUSION
Hence, I conclude that one of the powerful weapon for public is media and it should deliver the information which was useful to the public, but it should not misguide the public. Except the News papers which are established during the independence all other News papers are misguiding the public and they are promoting a political party which is against the rules of News and media. Media is meant to promote welfare of the public and publish problems of public, but now-a-days media is meant only to promote political parties and problems of public is secondary to them. Government to look over the media and to control such irrelevant News in media.
FAQS
Under which Article freedom of press come?
Under Article 19(1)(a) states freedom of press.
What is the role of media?
Role of media is to promote public awareness and to address public problems.
