Recently, India ranked 142nd out of 180 nations in the World Press Freedom Index. The index is an annual publication by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international journalism not-for-profit organization. This score suggests India’s press freedom status stands unchanged from the previous year, which also witnessed a rank of 142.
About the World Press Freedom Index
The World Press Freedom Index has been released annually since 2002 by Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), an independent NGO that enjoys consultative stature with the United Nations, UNESCO, Council of Europe, and the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).
The Index examines countries and regions based on the degree of freedom journalists enjoy. It considers various factors such as pluralism, media independence, media environment and self-censorship, legislative framework, transparency, and the infrastructure quality assisting news and information production. However, it is important to note that this index does not reflect the quality of journalism in these countries.
Insights from the Global Scenario
According to the Index, journalism faces serious threats globally, with disinformation remaining unchallenged in 73% of the 180 indexed countries. A meagre 12 countries, accounting for only 7% of the total, can claim to offer favorable conditions for journalism.
Interestingly, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to increased control over information dissemination. The report raised concerns about the Asia-Pacific region, where many nations have implemented stringent laws related to ‘sedition,’ ‘state secrets’ or ‘national security’ to suppress press freedom.
Norway, Finland, and Denmark are at the top of the Index, while Eritrea sits at the bottom. China ranks 177th, ahead of only North Korea and Turkmenistan.
Understanding India’s Performance
Despite no improvement in press freedom conditions since 2020, India’s rank remains unimproved at 142. Among its neighbors, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan fare better at ranks 106, 127, and 65 respectively, while close follower Pakistan ranks 145th.
India is among the countries classified as ‘bad’ for journalism. The nationalist government’s intimidation tactics have created a hostile environment for critical journalists, often labeling them as anti-national or anti-state. This hostile situation is particularly worrying in Kashmir, where incidents of reporters being harassed by police and paramilitaries are reported frequently.
Reasons Behind India’s Poor Performance
The report attributes India’s poor performance to various kinds of attacks targeted at journalists. These include police violence, political activist ambushes, and reprisals instigated by criminal groups or corrupt officials.
Journalists have become the target of coordinated hate campaigns on social networks, which turn particularly violent when the targets are women.
Freedom of Press in Indian Legal System
Though not explicitly stated, press freedom is impliedly guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, providing all citizens with the right to freedom of speech and expression. A seminal observation by the Supreme Court in 1950 stated that freedom of the press is foundational to all democratic organizations.
However, under Article 19(2) of the constitution, this freedom faces certain restrictions related to sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency, morality, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offense.
