THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SAFEGUARDING MEDIA FREEDOM IN GUJARAT

Authors

  • Namrata Udaykumar Bhatt Ph.D. Research Scholar, Gokul Global University, Siddhpur, Gujarat
  • Dr. Daxaben. B. Parmar Assistant Professor, Gokul Global University, Siddhpur, Gujarat

Keywords:

Judiciary, Media Freedom, Gujarat High Court, Press Freedom, Article 19(1)(A), Digital Journalism, Censorship, Media Jurisprudence, Sedition, Democracy, Constitutional Rights, Public Interest, Judicial Intervention

Abstract

 

This article explores the crucial role of the judiciary in safeguarding media freedom in the state of Gujarat. As the fourth pillar of democracy, the media plays an indispensable role in shaping public opinion, promoting transparency, and holding power accountable. However, media practitioners in Gujarat, like elsewhere in India, often face legal and political pressures that threaten their independence. This paper examines the constitutional and legal framework that supports press freedom and analyzes how the judiciary—particularly the Gujarat High Court—has interpreted and enforced these protections. Through key case studies and legal precedents, the article highlights how the judiciary has addressed issues such as sedition, defamation, censorship, digital media regulation, and contempt proceedings. It also evaluates the judiciary’s evolving role in media jurisprudence and suggests strategic measures to strengthen its future role in protecting freedom of expression. Ultimately, the article underscores that an independent judiciary and a free press are mutually reinforcing institutions vital to the health of a democratic society.

References

I. Bhongale, Dr Jay Kumar. "Media Trial: Role of Media under Indian Constitution." Available at SSRN 3904567 (2021).

II. Chaudhary, Neelam. "Media Trial: Menace To The Justice System-A Comparative Study Of Indian Law." IJLRP-International Journal of Leading Research Publication 5.4.

III. Dash, Bishwa Kallyan, and Swati Mohapatra. "TRIAL BY MEDIA: A QUESTION ON CONSTITUTIONAL SUPREMACY IN INDIA." BIHAR JOURNAL OF: 335.

IV. Lodhi, Rohan Singh, and Pooja Agrawal. "Undermining Judicial Independence: The Impact of Media Trials in India A Historical and Contemporary Analysis."

V. Mahinvith, Kaniganti Maneesh, and Ravi Kumar Yadav. "BALANCING ACT: MEDIA INFLUENCE AND JUDICIAL INTEGRITY IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE."

VI. Nityanand, V. "Freedom of Speech and Ramifications of Media Trial on the Indian Judicial Landscape-A Conceptual Analysis." Issue 5 Int'l JL Mgmt. & Human. 4 (2021): 1645.

VII. Pradhan, Tulishree. "Progress or Regress Through Media Freedom: A Due Process to Protect Liberty." Exploring the Boundaries of Law. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland, 2025. 271-283.

VIII. Sahi, Shreya. "Conflict between Freedom of Speech and Expression and Right to Reputation in the Light of Media Trials." Issue 3 Int'l JL Mgmt. & Human. 4 (2021): 5259.

Additional Files

Published

01-06-2025

How to Cite

Namrata Udaykumar Bhatt, & Dr. Daxaben. B. Parmar. (2025). THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SAFEGUARDING MEDIA FREEDOM IN GUJARAT. International Educational Applied Scientific Research Journal, 8(8). Retrieved from https://ieasrj.com/journals/index.php/ieasrj/article/view/436

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 8 (2023): AUGUST ISSUE, INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL APPLIED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH JOURNAL

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2023 International Educational Applied Scientific Research Journal

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.