MEDIA INVADES RIGHT TO PRIVACY

Abstract

Media Law is an emerging concept in India as compared to other countries. In India, media law is governed by Press Council of India, Code of Ethics and Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1955 and it also has various provisions in other statutes. Both Media law and Privacy has evolved through judicial pronouncements. Right to privacy is now granted under constitution of India as well under Article 21. At the same time Media also has the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). Both these articles exist with reasonable restrictions. Media while exercising right to freedom of speech and expression invades the privacy of individuals. Media captures almost all kind of incidents in the society. It publishes things which are highly offensive to some people but it is allowed in the name of public interest and society. These incidents deal with children, rape victims, drug addicts, sting operations, politicians and many more. Media is supposed to safeguard the identity of these victims but media highlights them and causes media victimization and puts them in danger. Sometimes press invades privacy only in the way of attempting to gain information and some are about publication of information and many are about both. This way it violates the privacy of the individual. Also media trials and media opinions that are inflicted on the society invade our privacy in lot of ways. This research paper basically deals with what is the relation between privacy and Media law and how media violates individual’s privacy by character assassination and what is the approach of the judiciary on the same.