Media laws 


Indian law does not provide special law for media, but there is indirect provision for media i.e. freedom for speech and expression, in 19(1) of our constitution.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar explained it as. The media has no special rights the rights which are given to every citizen of India as followed by media.

Some laws regarding media.
1.      First press regulations (1799)
In this law, Lord Wellesley said that newspapers must print the names and addresses of printers and editors. However, this was later demolished in 1813 by Warren Hastings.

2.       Gagging act (1857)
This act introduced compulsory licensing for running or owning a printing press.  This allowed the government to ban a particular paper or book. In this act, the government got control and monitoring power over Papers and publications. Later this act was abolished in 1858.

3.       VERNACULAR PRESS ACT (1878)
This act was enacted on 1, March 1878.  In this act, the British government got more control over India's Media and publications.

4.       Indian Press Act(1910)
In this act owners of presses were required to tender security deposits, the police were given the right to search and seizure.

5.       Official Secrets Act (1923)
This act is regarding law regarding official secrets and deals with unlawful activities like spying and wrongful communication. Section 3 of the act makes it illegal for a person. This is regarding public safety.

6.       The Press and Registration of Books Act (1867)
This act was enacted to evaluate the present position of books, newspapers, and magazines.  The printer must send copies to the State Government free of cost.

7.       SEA CUSTOMS ACT (1878)
This act prohibits the bringing into India whether land, sea or by air.

8.       CONTEMPT OF COURT ACT
Contempt of Court is one of the reasonable restrictions under 19(2) of the India Constitution.

9.       YOUNG PERSON'S (HARMFUL PUBLICATIONS) ACT, (1956)
This Act seeks to prohibit the publication in India of such literature as glorifies crime, violence, or vice.

10.   PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS (PROTECTION OF PUBLICATION) ACT, (1956)
This act was enacted to protect the publications of reports of proceedings of Parliament except in the newspaper.