Apar GuptaTop press bodies in India have resolved to intensify demands for the Union government to withdraw laws they claim curb press freedom. They specifically oppose the proposed Broadcast Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023; the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023; the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023; and the Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2023.
Archives for the tag Freedom of Expression
‘I Recuse’: More Panellists Must Be Deliberate in Their Choice of TV Platforms and Make It Public
More voices taking this step and repeatedly stating it in public is a meaningful contribution towards the restoration of constitutional sanity. In a media landscape under constant attack by primetime anchors, such actions even when minor gain importance. Broken news will only be fixed by collective action.
Media raids and breaking the silence on press freedom
In upholding press freedom, the higher judiciary needs to revive the doctrine of ‘effect and consequence’ and act without fear or favour while considering the canvas of heavy-handed executive actions.
As Elon Musk takes over Twitter, a note of caution
His stated vision for the platform includes advancing free speech, reducing political tribalism. But it will require patience for nuance and experienced staff to apply the principles of free expression which, in many instances, are complex determinations.
Why is the unconstitutional Section 66A still being used in police stations and courtrooms?
Partly free
As the year draws to a close, Freedom House’s annual report on internet freedom points to a growing concern. At first glance, there is reason for cheer as India has maintained its score of 41 out of 100 (the score works on an inverted scale) and a rating of, “partly free”. However, this is deceptive, for the two reasons which are marked as positive trends for an open internet somewhat counterintuitively show continuing government efforts to undermine digital rights.
The objections to Padmavati require social debate, not legal censure
For years, Indian liberals have fought for the right to freedom of artistic expression — the paintings of M. F. Husain, Jatin Das, movies like Fire and PK and readings of the Three Hundred Ramayanas. As calls rise for a ban on the release of Padmavati — a film that valourises Rajput caste identity and glorifies sati, we ask:
How to challenge book bans and censorships legally
Shortly after completing my masters, I returned to active litigation in India and one of the first cases assigned to me by my employer was a case of book banning. The book, authored by a senior politician, was banned by a notification under Section 95 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Section 95 gives the state government the right to ban books that violate various provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
Table of Discontents
THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VIEWER complaints received by the Broadcast Content Complaints Council (BCCC), a two-year-old organisation responsible for the regulation of objectionable content on Indian television, has been about the reality television show Bigg Boss.