Freedom of press is not mentioned anywhere in the Indian constitution. The right to freedom of speech and expression is provided under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. Freedom of speech and expression, in Article 19 of the Constitution of India, is believed to include freedom of the press. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Freedom of expression allows you to express your voice and the voice of others. But freedom of the press must be subject to the restrictions that apply to freedom of speech and expression. The restrictions referred to in art. 19 are defamation, contempt of court, decency or morality, security of the State, friendly relations with other States, incitement to an offence, public order and maintenance of sovereignty and integrity of India. The status of freedom of the press is the same as that of an ordinary citizen. The press cannot claim any tax immunity, it is subject to the same laws that regulate industrial relations, and employees of the press are subject to the same laws that regulate industrial work. Also in this case the press enjoys the normal freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Therefore, no law can be passed to limit freedom of expression, cannot be subjected to excessive or prohibitive burdens to limit its circulation, and cannot be subject to specific taxes deliberately imposed to limit the circulation of information. In essence, the Constitution gives the government no power to impose arbitrary restrictions on the press. Politicians in power often feel tempted to pass laws that limit freedom of the press, to hide information that could generate unfavorable reactions among the people. In 1976, during the Emergency, Parliament enacted the Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matters Act. The Janata government repealed the Act in 1978. However, the 44th Amendment adopted in 1978 gave Parliament substantial powers to regulate freedom of the press. A new article, Art 361A, has been added to the Constitution with this objective in view. Press censorship is a crucial and sensitive issue in any democracy. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In general, press censorship is considered to be a very unhealthy control on the freedom of free expression of opinions. In India, the constitution does not expressly prohibit press censorship. Therefore the only control by the State in resorting to censorship is that it is reasonable. This control over government also did not exist before the First Amendment of the Constitution 1951.