N. Ram calls for urgent legal reforms to uphold press freedom in India, citing threats from outdated laws. | The Legal Observer
Subheading:
Veteran journalist N. Ram has raised concern over outdated laws threatening India’s press freedom, urging immediate reforms.
Press Freedom Under Threat, Says N. Ram
Renowned journalist and former The Hindu editor-in-chief, N. Ram, has urged lawmakers to initiate urgent legal reforms to uphold freedom of the press in India. Addressing a panel on democratic rights at a recent public forum, Ram emphasized that colonial-era laws and repressive legal instruments are increasingly being used to intimidate and silence journalists.
Ram highlighted the misuse of sedition laws, the lack of whistleblower protections, and the frequent weaponization of defamation to suppress investigative journalism. “Laws like the Official Secrets Act and sections of the Information Technology Act are relics of the past and incompatible with democratic norms,” he said.
“We need comprehensive legislative reforms that enshrine the press as a pillar of democracy, not a target for persecution,” Ram stated.
Legal Overreach and the Chilling Effect
Critics argue that India’s current media environment is marked by growing restrictions, with journalists facing legal harassment, surveillance, and arrest for doing their jobs. Ram’s remarks come amid a series of high-profile incidents, including the arrest of journalists in Kashmir and raids on independent digital newsrooms.
The Supreme Court, while reiterating the importance of a free press, has also been urged by legal experts to clarify the limits of government action against journalists. Civil society organisations and legal professionals continue to demand that lawmakers repeal or amend statutes that enable state overreach.
“Press freedom isn’t just a journalistic issue—it’s a democratic imperative,” Ram reiterated.
The Road Ahead: What Reform Could Look Like
Ram proposed several reforms including:
- Repealing colonial-era laws such as the Sedition Law (Section 124A of the IPC)
- Strengthening protections under the Whistleblower Protection Act
- Introducing a Media Freedom Law ensuring judicial oversight before any action against journalists
- Amending the Press Council Act to make the council more independent and powerful
Legal experts present at the forum echoed Ram’s view, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive Press Freedom Code, similar to international standards.
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