The Indian constitution, while not mentioning the word 'Press', provides for the right to freedom of speech and expression. In article 19(1a). However, this right is subject to restriction under sub clause 2, whereby this freedom can be restricted for reasons of soverignity and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relation with foreign state, public order, preserving decency, morality in relation to contempt, court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
Law such as the official secret act and prevention of terrorist activity act(POTA) have been used to limit press freedom. Under POTA, person could be detained for up to 6 months for being in contact with a terrorist or a terrorist group. POTA was repealed in 2006, but official Secret Act 1923 continues. For the first half of the century of independence, media control by the state was major constraint on Press freedom. Indira Gandhi famously stated in 1975 that "All India Radio is a government organ, it will remain a government organ..."
With the liberalisation starting in 1990s, private control of media has burgeoned, leading to independence and greater security of government organisation like Tehelka and NDTV have been particularly influential.
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