Freedom of the press in India flows from Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. The press may gather news, publish it, and circulate it. Readers have a matching interest in receiving information on public affairs. These freedoms are not absolute. Article 19(2) allows reasonable restrictions in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, public order, decency, morality, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offence.
A journalist has the same protection as any citizen against illegal arrest, assault, and seizure of equipment. Prior restraint on publication is exceptional. Criticism of government policy is lawful. What is not lawful is publishing material that is defamatory, that reveals the identity of a sexual-offence survivor, or that interferes with a fair trial.
