Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
India’s Constitution does not mention the press separately, but the Supreme Court has held that freedom of the press is part of the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
Constitutional basis
Article 19(1)(a) guarantees every citizen freedom of speech and expression. Article 19(2) allows reasonable restrictions in the interests of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.Landmark Supreme Court cases
| Case | Year | Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras | 1950 | Freedom of speech includes freedom of circulation |
| Sakal Papers v. Union of India | 1962 | Limits on pages or price can violate press freedom |
| Bennett Coleman v. Union of India | 1973 | Newsprint controls cannot curb free expression |
| Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India | 1985 | Press freedom is vital to democracy; taxes must not cripple it |
| Shreya Singhal v. Union of India | 2015 | Struck down Section 66A of the IT Act as vague |
The Press Council of India
The Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory body under the Press Council Act, 1978, safeguards press freedom and maintains standards in print journalism. It can warn or censure newspapers but cannot impose fines. Television and digital media fall outside its scope.
Laws journalists must know
- Defamation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replacing the IPC from July 2024) and civil law.
- Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
- Official Secrets Act, 1923.
- IT Act, 2000 and IT Rules, 2021 for digital news publishers.
- Right to Information Act, 2005, a powerful tool for reporters.
Global rankings and debate
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) publishes a yearly World Press Freedom Index, in which India has ranked in the lower half in recent years. The government has disputed the methodology. Supporters and critics debate issues such as safety of journalists, internet shutdowns and media ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Is freedom of the press a fundamental right in India?
Yes, as part of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), subject to reasonable restrictions.
When is National Press Day in India?
16 November, the day the Press Council of India began functioning in 1966.
When is World Press Freedom Day?
3 May, declared by the UN General Assembly.
Keep exploring
- What is journalism?
- How to spot fake news
- How India’s Constitution was made
- More Media articles on Tiwaripedia
Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
