Article 19 and Media Freedom: Freedom of Expression, Media Responsibility and Democratic Governance in the Digital Age

Dr. Arpita Sneh

doi:10.53724/lrd/v10n2.3

Authors

Dr. Arpita Sneh Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7382-9343

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53724/lrd/v10n2.3

Keywords:

Freedom of Expression, Article 19, Media Freedom, Democratic Governance, Digital Media, Media Responsibility, Constitutional Law, Freedom of the Press, Digital Rights, India

Abstract

Freedom of expression is an integral part of good democratic governance and a key way of encouraging transparency, accountability and engagement. Freedom of the press is not specifically mentioned as a constitutional right in India, but has been interpreted by the courts as being a part of the freedom of speech and expression as protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. This right is, however, subject to the reasonable restrictions provided under Article 19(2) for the protection of public order, national security, sovereignty and integrity, decency and morality and other lawful state interests.
Digital communication technologies have moved so quickly in the last few years that they have changed the media landscape, making information more readily available and civic opportunities more abundant. Meanwhile, new challenges have emerged with digital platforms, such as misinformation, online hate speech, privacy issues, and the predominance of algorithmically driven content moderation. The developments call to mind a number of key issues concerning media freedom, responsibility and democratic governance.
This study adopts a doctrinal and analytical method in exploring the constitutional structures of media freedom in India with specific reference to Article 19(1)(a), 19(2), 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. It states that the protection of democratic values in the digital age must strike a balance between freedom of expression and holding media to account and maintaining ethical media practices and proportionate regulation in line with constitutional principles.

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