The freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution of India ensures the right to express one’s strong belief and opinions freely by word, writing, printing, picture or electronic media or in any other form of expression. Thus, this freedom implies the freedom of press in the absence of any separate provision of freedom of press in the Constitution. However, the freedom of press is not absolute. It is subject to certain reasonable restrictions. The Constitution also imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right to freedom of press in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
