Protection Of Journalists In India: A Legal Perspective

Abstract

Media plays a significant role in the upkeep of democratic traditions. It promotes thevalues associated with the freedom of speech by disseminating information, educatingthe masses and ensures accountability at the different levels of power. Given the natureof their job, journalists always remain in the line of fire, thus demanding a higher level ofprotection and a safe and secure environment for rendering their work effectively.Crimes against journalists have been on a rise in the last two decades and they are beingsubjected to intimidation, violence, harassment and threats of death. Though, thefreedom of media is intrinsically granted in Article 19 (1)(a) of the Indian Constitutionbut no express legislation has been made that exclusively deals with the protection of thelegal rights of the journalists. The safety and security of the journalists and the mediapersonnel has never been the part of the serious debate in India, despite the numerousmodels for the protection of journalists provided by the International Organisations and
Instruments. The paper discusses the current scenario of intensification of the challengesand threats faced by the journalists and the media personnel in India. The paper furthercontains an overview of the growing threats and emerging violence against thejournalistic fraternity. An attempt has been made in the paper to shed light on thenumerous laws which provide for the protection of the rights of the journalists and thegaps and loopholes which need to be filled for the better and effective protection andworking of the journalists and other media personneL