ISBN 81-89479-74-1 IN DEFENCE OF JOURNALISTS 9 788189 479749 This is a publication of the Human Rights Law Network written to IN DEFENCE OF JOURNALISTS inform journalists and the lawyers representing them of their free speech rights and responsibilities under the most current law in India. Free speech in the media is an integral part of democracy and necessary for the protection and enforcement of many other constitutional rights. Journalists in India stand at the forefront in the battle against censorship, corruption and repression, and are to be commended for their defense of democracy. In Defence of Journalists has been organised into chapters that cover the broad issues and charges which are common in cases dealing with journalists. At the beginning of each chapter is a brief background and a summary of the law that coincides with the topic. Otherwise the chapters consist of excerpted judgments which highlight various rules and arguments from the courts of India. Each case is preceded by a summary designed to quickly recite the facts and rule of the case. In Defence of Journalists is written with the journalists in mind. While it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice in any way whatsoever, it is hoped that this book will allow journalists to be better informed about their rights and their position at law, and to assist them in speaking truth to power. Human Rights Law Network 576, Masjid Road, Jangpura, Nolan Shutler New Delhi – 110014, India Nick Chapman Ph: +91-11-24379855/56 E-mail:
[email protected] Harsh Dobhal IN DEFENCE OF JOURNALISTS NOLAN SHUTLER NICK CHAPMAN HARSH DOBHAL New Delhi November 2011 Human Rights Law Network VISION n To protect fundamental human rights, increase access to basic resources for the marginalised com- munities, and eliminate discrimination.