The fourth pillar of Indian democracy is strong & vibrant-NUJ-India

New Delhi. India has a  glorious tradition of free speech as well as a  robust democratic culture and practices going back centuries. Free speech in India is not the entitlement of only a foreign media organisation like the BBC, but it is the solemn commitment of the world’s largest democracy. The fourth pillar of Indian democracy is strong & vibrant and provides support to the other three pillars.

Freedom of speech and expression is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.  It is part of the civilisational ethos . There is no need for sermon from outsiders, when it comes to press freedom. Those who have rushed to sit in verdict will be well - advised to note  in Press Council of India , we have well - established independent regulatory mechanism for the print media . There is  a separate , self - regulatory mechanism for TV channels as well.

The self - appointed guardians of democracy should pause to consider  that India is a federal political and that many of our states are with parties other than the one elected to serve  at the national level. This reflects the working of a vibrant democracy, which gives space to those who hold diverse views and which does not need unsolicited counsel from those who have freed themselves from the burden of “ civilising  “ the world .

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