India Press Freedom Report 2021

Context: Recently, the Rights and Risk Analysis group released the India Press Freedom Report 2021.

Key findings

• According to the report, 13 media houses and newspapers were targeted in the country, 108 journalists were attacked, and 6 journalists were killed.
• The highest number of journalist attack was in Jammu and Kashmir which faced more than 25 attacks. 
• The second highest was in Uttar Pradesh with 23. UP was followed by Madhya Pradesh (16), Tripura (15), Delhi (8), Bihar (6), Assam (5), Haryana(4) and Maharashtra (4), Goa (3), Manipur (3), Karnataka (2), West Bengal (2), Tamil Nadu (2), Andhra Pradesh (1), Kerala (1), Chhattisgarh (1).

Jammu and Kashmir had maximum number of attacks. On the other hand, Tripura had maximum number of attacks by non – state actors.

• Eight women journalists faced summons, FIR and arrest.
• 24 journalists were attacked physically, obstructed, threatened, and harassed for doing their works. All these attacks were made by public officials. This includes police attacks as well. 17 of these attacks were police attacks.
• 44 FIRs were registered against journalists in 2021. Of this 21 were registered under Section 153 of IPC.

Significance of the report

• The widespread attacks on the press freedom are an indicator of the continuing deterioration of civic space in the country.
• It represents the status of free speech exercised in our country.

Freedom of Media & Democracy

• Freedom of the media is the principle that communication and expression should be considered a right to be exercised freely.
• Such freedom implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state; its preservation may be sought through constitution or other legal protection and security.

Provisions for Freedom of Media

• The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression under Article 19.
• Freedom of the press is not expressly protected by the Indian legal system but it is implied under article 19(1) (a) of the constitution.
• However, a law could impose restrictions on the exercise of this right under certain prescribed circumstances.

Threats to Freedom of Press

• Unauthentic news, paid news, advertising editorials and influenced news are threats to free and unbiased media.
• Corporate and political power compromise freedom of press by having vested interests in large sections of the media.
• Rising violence against unbiased and true journalists is the most imminent threat facing press freedom.

Threats from State Actors: Arrest and detention; Registration of First Information Reports (FIRs); Summons/show cause notices

• Physical attacks and intimidation by security forces and other public officials; Assault by police and other public officials
• Censorship and raids on offices and houses of media organizations and journalists

Threats from Non-State Actors: Killing of journalists; Physical attacks or threats from: Political parties, Attacks by vigilantes, unidentified persons or mob; Online threats/harassment

Suggestions to ensure Press freedom

• The balance between safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting the honor and reputation of persons should be explored.
• A “framework of understanding and/or commitments” to protect the universality, integrity and openness of the Internet as a means of safeguarding freedom of expression regardless of frontiers and Internet freedom should be developed by working with other stakeholders
• Human rights policy principles on network neutrality should be drafted to ensure Internet users have the greatest possible access to content, applications and services of their choice.
• The accessibility of Internet content to all actual or potential users should be promoted.
• Developing guidelines and best practice to help governments and Internet intermediaries acting as media gateways to promote freedom of expression and access to pluralistic, quality-based and diverse sources of information.
• Increasing the literacy of all social and age groups can help in understanding the role of free media in a democracy.

Additional Information

• India has ranked 142nd out of 180 nations in the World Press Freedom Index, 2021
• The index is published each year by the international journalism not-for-profit body, Reporters Without Borders (RSF).