Abstract on

THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN INDIA: CONSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Right to Information and the Freedom of the Press

Name of the participant: Ayesha Khan Designation: Students Institute: School of Law, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, C.G Theme of the Article: Right to Information and the Freedom of the Press Title of the Article: Necessity of Equilibrium between Dissemination and Restraints on Media Phone No: +917879879881 Email Id: aayeshakhan59@gmail.com

Abstract
The essence of free speech is the ability to think and speak freely and to obtain information from others through publications and public discourse without fear of retribution, restriction, or repression by the government. "Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression" is a fundamental right of the citizens of India. This is mentioned in Part III of the Constitution of India - Article 19(1). This Article is so wide in scope that Freedom of the Press is included in Freedom of Speech and Expression. Democracy means Government of the people, by the people and for the people; it is obvious that every citizen must be entitled to participate in the democratic process and in order to enable him to intelligently exercise his right of making a choice, free and general discussion of public matters is absolutely essential. Despite of introduction of various new social networks, and political as well as legal restraints on media, it still plays a major role in promoting this fundamental right.