International Law for the Actualization of the Freedom of the Press with Special Emphasis on India's Position in Meeting the International Mandate.
Shilpa Jain, Karan Godara · SSRN Electronic Journal · 2018
Freedom of the press is of great essence to any democratic society. Without a free press, it would be impossible for the citizenry to form an informed opinion on critical issues and at the same time, voice their concern over violations of human rights. In the digital age, when news spreads like fire, public opinion finds itself in a unique position. The time-bound passage of the Indian ‘criminal law (amendment) act, 2013’ which helped strengthen the law for the protection of women post the infamous Nirbhaya rape case bears testimony to the power that the press and public opinion encapsulates. Without a doubt, in the 21st century, the fourth estate holds unhindered power to initiate change. There remains not an iota of doubt that international law plays a pivotal role in actualizing positive change in national laws and helps guide nation-states adopt practices that are in consonance with democratic principles. This paper seeks to evaluate the international law that exists in the field of freedom of the press. In particular, it tracks India’s record in conforming with the International mandate since India is not only a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also a ratifying country to the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights.