Print, broadcast and new media

Page 1

Introduction

  • Overview of Print, Broadcast, and New Media

Page 2

Official Secrets Act - 1923

  • India’s anti-espionage legislation.

  • Actions against enemy states are condemned.

  • Prohibitions around government sites and communication of official secrets.

  • Acts of espionage may include sharing sketches, plans, models, or codes.

Page 3

Prosecution and Penalties

  • Punishments range from three years to life imprisonment, especially under section 5 for intent to declare war.

  • Unintentional actions can still lead to prosecution.

  • Only authorized personnel may handle official secrets; unauthorized handling carries penalties.

  • Journalists required to assist police and military investigations, possibly disclosing sources.

  • Search warrants may be issued if deemed necessary for state security.

Page 4

Coverage of the Official Secrets Act

  • Addresses provisions regarding:

    • Penalties for spying.

    • Communication with foreign agents as evidence.

    • Wrongful communication of information.

    • Unauthorized use of uniforms and falsification of documents.

    • Interference with law enforcement and military officers.

    • Duty to report criminal activities.

Page 5

Additional Provisions of the Official Secrets Act

  • Covers:

    • Attempts and incitements related to spying.

    • Penalties for harboring spies.

    • Issuance of search warrants.

    • Applications of section 337 of Act 5 of 1898 to specified offenses.

    • Restrictions on trial and public exclusion from proceedings.

    • Offenses committed by companies.

Page 6

Historical Context

  • The Indian Official Secrets Act of 1904 introduced by Lord Curzon.

  • Replaced by the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Page 7

Press Council Act - 1978

  • Establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) as a regulatory body for print media.

  • Independent from government control.

  • Recent news regarding new Digital Media Rules placing responsibilities on digital news publishers.

Page 8

Importance of the Press Council of India

  • Aims to preserve press freedom and uphold standards in the press.

  • Acts as a regulator guiding professional standards for print media.

  • Ensures the protection of freedom of speech and democracy.

  • Addresses complaints against the press for ethical violations.

Page 9

Composition of the Press Council of India

  • Composed of a Chairman and 28 members including:

    • 2 Rajya Sabha Members.

    • 3 Lok Sabha Members.

    • 7 Working Journalists, 6 Newspaper Editors.

    • Members with public life expertise and representatives from news agencies.

Page 10

Functions of the Press Council of India

  • Ensuring independence of newspapers.

  • Maintaining high news standards for public consumption.

  • Monitoring developments obstructing free information flow.

  • Establishing codes of conduct for journalists.

  • Providing training for new journalists.

  • Promoting technical research in news.

Page 11

Powers of the Press Council of India

  • Ability for journalists to complain about ethical breaches.

  • PCI investigates complaints and can summon witnesses.

  • Powers include issuing criticisms and warnings.

  • Decisions made by PCI are final and not subject to appeal.

Page 12

Prasar Bharati Act - 1990

  • Established Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) on September 6, 1990, effective September 15, 1997.

Page 13

Background of Prasar Bharati

  • Transition of Doordarshan and All India Radio from government control to greater autonomy.

  • Officially brought under the Prasar Bharati corporation.

Page 14

Functions of Prasar Bharati

  • Maintain national unity and integrity according to the Constitution.

  • Ensure citizens are informed of national/international news.

  • Promote literacy, health, and agricultural development.

  • Cover sporting activities and support diversity.

  • Provide services to underprivileged communities and conduct research.

Page 15

Board Members of Prasar Bharati

  • Includes:

    • 1 Chairman.

    • 1 Executive member.

    • 1 Finance member.

    • 1 Personnel member.

    • 6 part-time members, Directors-General of Akashvani & Doordarshan, and representatives of the Information Ministry and employees.

Page 16

Cinematograph Act - 1952

  • Ensures films align with societal tolerance levels.

  • Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) established to certify films.

  • CBFC can reject or grant certifications valid for ten years.

Page 17

Film Certification Guidelines

  • Films may be rejected if they challenge India's sovereignty, public order, decency, and incite offenses.

  • Evaluated based on overall impact and societal standards.

  • CBFC ensures family-friendly viewing during certification.

Page 18

Certification Objectives

  • Responsible mediums reflecting social standards.

  • Honor artistic freedom while ensuring societal norms.

  • Avoid extreme content, religious insults, and defamation in certified films.

Page 19

CBFC Overview

  • Central body responsible for film certification in India, under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

  • Only CBFC certified films can be publicly shown.

Page 20

History of Film Certification in India

  • Raja Harishchandra was the first Indian film (1913).

  • The Indian Cinematograph Act of 1920 established early censor boards.

  • Censor boards reorganized post-independence and the CBFC was formed in 1952.

Page 21

Film Certification Process

  • Applications made at regional CBFC offices; Mumbai is the prime region.

  • Examining committees view films for clearance.

  • Appeals can be taken to CBFC head office or the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.

Page 22

Film Certification Categories

  • Four categories:

    • U: unrestricted.

    • UA: parental discretion for children under 12.

    • A: restricted to adults.

    • S: for specific audiences only.

  • Ongoing debates on censorship between filmmakers and CBFC.

Page 23

CBFC Mission

  • Promote healthy entertainment and transparency in certification.

  • Engage with stakeholders through awareness programs.

  • Utilize technology in certification processes and maintain transparency.

Page 24

Cinematograph Amendment Bill - 2023

  • Amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952 to introduce harsher penalties for piracy.

  • New sub-age categories for film classification proposed.

  • Aligns certification with legal judgments for recertification on TV broadcasts.

Page 25

New Sub-Age Categories for Film Classification

  • New categories include:

    • UA-7+, UA-13+, and UA-16+.

  • Proposed changes to film classification structure.

Page 26

Anti-Piracy Measures

  • Imprisonment up to three years and fines for piracy.

  • Transmitting pirated content becomes a legal offense.

Page 27

Information Technology Act, 2000

  • Primary law regarding cybercrime and e-commerce in India.

  • Legal recognition for electronic transactions and signatures.

  • Government action against Chinese apps under the IT Act.

Page 28

Amendments to the IT Act (2008)

  • Section 66A allowed arrests for 'offensive' social media content without prior debate.

  • Vague definitions of terms led to concerns about abuse of power and suppression of free speech.

Page 29

Arguments Against Section 66A

  • Terms like 'offensive' were seen as vague, leading to potential misuse.

  • Used against critiques of political figures, seen as infringement on free speech.

Page 30

Section 69A of the IT Act

  • Empowers authorities to intercept online information.

  • Allows blocking websites in the interest of national security.

  • Upheld by the Supreme Court despite privacy concerns.