Media and Law (Censorship incl. Self Regulation)

Unit 1 — Different forms of Media, History of Legislative Efforts (3 Lectures)

Forms - Print media; Broadcast media; Social media · Legislative efforts in India

Unit 2 — Media, Free Speech and the Constitution

Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2); derivative rights - right to know, right to broadcast; Hate Speech (3 Lectures) · Privacy, defamation, sting operations, and Misuse of Sting Operations (8 Lectures) · Right to Information (2 Lectures) · Trial by media and fair trial (3 Lectures)

• Torts related to Reputation (Defamation) & Personal Relations

Unit 3 — Contempt of Court (4 Lectures)

Contempt of Court Act, 1971 (as amended); Articles 129, 142(2), 215

• The Contempt Law and Practice — Articles 129 and 215 of the Constitution of India, Contempt of Courts Act, 1971

Unit 4 — Media & Its Regulation (8 Lectures)

Regulation of the print media · Regulation of the Broadcasting sector (Public and Private) · Regulation of the Social Media

Unit 5 — Media, Advertisement & the Law (3 Lectures)

Commercial speech: Commercial Speech Doctrine and protection provided under Article 19 · Government advertisements and the media: broadcasting political messages

Unit 6 — Media, Censorship and the Gag Orders (7 Lectures)

Pre- and Post Restraint; Cinema and censorship; Variable obscenity; Gag orders, print/broadcasting/social media; restraint on reporting of judicial proceedings; Reporting on Women/Juveniles

Unit 7 — Reporting of Legislative Proceedings (2 Lectures)

Article 361A, Constitution of India; Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977

Unit 8 — Media and other contemporary issues (5 Lectures)

Paid news · Poll surveys · Cross ownership: diversification of ownership · Competition issues · Licensing issues; responsibility of licensee · Copyright issues