PRESS
FREEDOM IN INDIA – POLITY
News: The silence around the state’s
seizure of India’s press
What's
in the news?
●
India is passing through a transitory
emergency as well as a marked phase of digital authoritarianism.
Importance
of Press Freedom:
1.
Strengthening a nation:
●
Free media works towards strengthening the
sovereignty and integrity of a nation.
2.
Fundamental to a democratic society:
●
The freedom of press is fundamental to a
democratic society like India for it is helpful in strengthening democracy.
3.
Check on Government and Administrators:
●
An independent press and news-media press
acts as an important check on Government and Administrators.
4.
Voice against any social ill or wrong:
●
It is also responsible to raise voice
against any social ill or wrong.
5.
Acts for the public:
●
At national, regional and local level, it
is the public’s voice, activist and guardian as well as educator, entertainer
and contemporary chronicler.
6.
Source of information:
●
An unbiased information is important for a
democracy and its growth. Media helps in providing critical information to
citizens.
●
Example: Data on economy, health,
education etc. must be correct and accurate without any bias toward the
government.
7.
Educate:
●
Media is important to educate people on
issues that are of utmost important for society.
●
Example: Increasing number of rape cases
are threat to society. It is important to report the exact number of cases and
help in sensitizing the society.
8.
Awareness:
●
Media make society aware of their
democratic rights and fight the three institutions of democracy.
9.
Watchdog:
●
Media reporting on public affairs and
investigations into wrongdoing in the administration of public affairs is a
must for a healthy democracy.
●
This includes exposing frauds or
corruption cases that personally benefit politicians. This helps citizens to
vote for the best government, defeating corrupt and dishonest governments.
10.
Good governance:
●
Media plays an important role in audits of
government policies and spending. An unbiased media is important for
transparent reporting.
Reasons
for Dip in India’s Ranking in Press Freedom Index:
1.
Political motivation:
●
The report mentions that Indian
authorities have targeted journalists and online critics in recent times driven
by political motivation.
2.
Wrongful prosecution:
●
It also talked about journalists getting
prosecuted under counterterrorism and sedition laws thereby cracking down on
dissent.
3.
Threats and violence:
●
It is said that journalists have been
threatened, harassed and abused by communal forces within the country.
4.
Kashmir issue:
●
The situation in Kashmir remains
“worrisome” and reporters are often harassed by police and paramilitaries.
WAY
FORWARD:
●
Respecting and protecting the
constitutional right to freedom of expression and information for all citizens,
including journalists.
●
Repealing
or amending laws that can be used to harass and silence journalists,
such as sedition, defamation and contempt of court.
●
Ensuring that journalists can work safely and securely without facing threats or
attacks from any quarter.
●
Promoting
media literacy and ethics among both journalists and audiences
to combat disinformation and propaganda.
●
Supporting
media pluralism and diversity by encouraging
independent and alternative voices and outlets.