In the World Press Freedom Index 2020 India stood at 142 among 180 countries. Misuse of laws targeting journalists and media organisations to stop them from saying unpleasant truths have become a common practice. At the same time, there have also been instances of journalists overstepping the line encroaching on people’s right to privacy and reputation.
The report tries to address this situation through case studies, anecdotes, interviews and a few tips for journalists. It includes inputs from dignitaries from the media industry and the judiciary so as to give a balanced outlook.
The lead article in the report is written by Mukund Padmanabhan, former editor of leading national dailies in India like The Hindu and The Businessline, along with Anant Nath, Managing Editor of The Caravan, one of the top long-form narrative journalism magazines in India. The others who have supported the report through their inputs include Shekhar Gupta – Editor of The Print, Madhavi Divan – Additional Solicitor General of India and Geeta Ramaseshan – Lawyer at Madras High Court.
Table of Contents
- Introduction & overview
- White paper on media laws – by Mukund Padmanabhan and Ananth Nath
- Case studies
- Voices from the media
- Interview – Mukund Padmanabhan
- Interview – Shekhar Gupta
- Case studies
- Voices from the judiciary
- Interview – Madhavi Divan
- Interview – Geeta Ramaseshan
- Defamation: safeguards and defence
- Summary
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