Media Law

Unit 1 — Introduction to media law:

1.1 Media: Introduction, concept, types (print & electronic), historical development of media. · 1.2 Freedom of speech and expression & Press: Evolution of Freedom of Press, Has media fundamental rights. Rights of media, Impact of Information Technology Act, 2000. · 1.3 Films-How far included in freedom of Speech and Expression. Governmental control v. media autonomy. · 1.4 Censorship of films: Introduction, constitutionality; Why censorship only for films? Central Board of Film Certification-constitution, powers, functions, role.

• Article 19 — Six Fundamental Freedoms and Reasonable Restrictions

Unit 2 — Regulation of Media: : 2.1 Press and Registration of Books, Act, 1867 Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Condition of Service)and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955

2.2 Laws of Defamation, obscenity, blasphemy, and sedition. Reporting of Judicial proceedings, contempt of courts.

Unit 3

3.1 Radio and Television: Laws relating to radio and television- establishment, management. Govt. control over airwaves-constitutional? PrasarBharti- Constitution, powers, functions, Government policy under liberal and private economy. · 3.2 Sting operations: Concept, Constitutionality, Harmonizing the Social Interest and promoting transparency, Indian Judiciary on Sting Operations. · 3.3 Media trial: Information Exposure by Media, Media as ‘Watchdog’ of democracy; Media trial, Law Commission and Indian Judiciary on media trial.

Unit 4 — Advertisement:

4.1 Concept, Kinds of advertisement-commercial, religious, political etc.; Advertisement & Ethics; Misleading Advertisement vis-à-vis Consumers rights · 4.2 Advertisement & Statutory laws. · 4.3 Advertising Standards Council of India & Press Council, Constitution, Powers, Functions, Role, and Judgments.

Unit 5 — Miscellaneous:

5.1 Regulation of social media. Role of media in disasters, Media and terrorism, media and corruption, Intellectual property of media. · 5.2 Electronic media-regulation, jurisdiction, remedies. · 5.3 Role of ‘Media Wing’ in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for publicizing Government’s Initiatives through Multiple Social Media platforms. Referred Cases- 1. Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005) 4 SCC 649 2. Bennett Coleman and Co. v. Union of India AIR 1973 SC 106 3. Sakal Papers Ltd & others v. Union of India 4. Govind v. State of M.P 5. Indian Express News paper v. Union of India

• Social media and freedom of speech and expression