Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil R. Dave, Judge, Supreme Court of India, released Press Law and Journalists - Watchdog to Guidedog in New Delhi. Written by Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar, the book offers an enlightening perspective on the role of press in modern society. The book also has a forward by Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.L. Dattu, Former Chief Justice of India, where he has highlighted the challenges and importance of modern day journalism saying, “The role of an active press has become more challenging with the increasing complexities in the operation of a successful modern democracy. The response of the press to such developments in the democratic scenario is instrumental in the efficient functioning of a democracy, for it is highly influential in moulding the public opinion.”

On the occasion, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil R. Dave said, “I really liked the idea with which the author has given the title – Guidedog – a role that every journalist should play. This book would be of great help to all the people connected with media.” Appreciating particularly the chapter ‘Journalist's Rights, Duties and Ethics’, he said, “An oath should be made for the press as well.” He added, “The book should be chewed and digested by all the people related to journalism.”

The event was co-chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Former Chief Justice of India; Hon’ble Mr. Justice C. K. Prasad, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, and Chairman, Press Council of India; Hon’ble Dr. Justice Arijit Pasayat, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, and Vice Chairman, SIT on Black Money; and Mr. Raj Chengappa President, Editors Guild of India, and Editorial Director, The India Today Group.

During the occasion, Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan said, “Press plays an important role in moulding people’s opinion. And, this book contains a series of aspects regarding the duties of the press and ethical standards that need to be maintained. He recommended all to read, chew and digest the book.” He added, “LexisNexis has come out well with publishing the book.”

Hon’ble Mr. Justice C. K. Prasad said, “The author took 10 years to write the book and labour for long years has been put in, which has led to the publishing of a very nice book. It will be of great help to all the people associated with press and legal fraternity, as well as to the students of both streams.”

Hon’ble Dr. Justice Arijit Pasayat said, “Everyone who subscribes to a newspaper or a news channel expects to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The book has raised a very important point, i.e., the need for a regulatory body or self-regulation. It has touched some very important aspects, especially the ‘Human Face of Press’. Journalists are the eyes and ears of the press. The books talks about the need for reporting the truth. It is a very interesting book and everyone should spend some time to read it.”

On the book, Mr. Raj Chengappa said, “Newspapers are writing history at short notice. Key for them is credibility. This book is a tremendous script, particularly the chapters on Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Press, and Journalist's Rights, Duties and Ethics. It is a textbook for all journalism students.”

Commenting on the book, Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar said, “My book tries to evaluate the conflicting trends in the contemporary Indian context. Many persons inspired me in writing this book, especially from academic circles and journalistic fraternity.”

“In a politically organised society, the structure and content of mass media are dovetailed by the desire to avoid conflicts with powerful groups and to conform, colouring of events by reporters’ prejudice, bureaucratic pressure and the demands of the political readership.” Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar added.

Mr. Vikesh Dhyani, Director Marketing & CDI, LexisNexis India, said, “The book critically examines the role of the press in a contemporary society, presents a theoretical justification for the protection of free speech and discusses the interpretation of free speech doctrine in the Internet age along with the analyses of authorities existing in India and abroad. The book also deals with the interference between the press and executive, legislature and judiciary; balancing the rights viz., information, privacy, libel and the doctrinal labels; press ombudsman role and attitude towards the redressal of disputes by the Press Council. The readers can find numerous case studies and anecdotes. In a nutshell, Press Law and Journalists: Watchdog to Guidedog offers an enlightening perspective on the role of press in modern society and is a must-have guide for professionals in media, journalism and law.”

About the Book

Press which is the most important organ of a democratic set up is the backbone of citizenry. It represents the voice of people where they can react against any anti-social practices and get to know the realities in public life. Making the citizenry informed is the significant mission that the Press discharges. It plays a vital role in democracy to check the functioning of government. Press freedom is important to ensure free flow of ideas. Against this backdrop, the book critically examines the role of the Press in contemporary society, presents a theoretical justification for the protection of free speech and discusses the interpretation of free speech doctrine in the internet age along with the analyses of authorities existing in India and abroad. The book also deals with the interference between press and executive, legislature and judiciary; balancing the rights viz., information, privacy, libel and the doctrinal labels; press ombudsman role and attitude towards the redressal of disputes by the Press Council. The reader can find numerous case studies and anecdotes. The book adopts a comparative approach.

In a nutshell, Press Law and Journalists: Watchdog to Guidedog offers an enlightening perspective on the role of press in modern society. It is equally useful for the legislators and policy makers along with members of press, media, law and each member in the society.

About the Author

Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar is a professor in Indian Law Institute and his specialization is in Administrative Law and Media Law and his areas of interest include Constitutional Law, Human Rights, IPR, ADR, Clinical Legal Education, etc. He is the recipient of National Law Day Award, 2008 for his contribution in legal education reforms activities. He was also part of BRICS Law Forum 2014 in Beijing China. He is Honorary Secretary of Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training (MILAT) which is organizing training programmes for law teachers and advocates.

About LexisNexis
LexisNexis Legal & Professional is a leading global provider of content and technology solutions that enable professionals in legal, corporate, tax, government, academic and non-profit organizations to make informed decisions and achieve better business outcomes. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. Today, LexisNexis Legal & Professional harnesses leading-edge technology and world-class content to help professionals work in faster, easier and more effective ways. While working towards driving a technological transformation in the legal, tax and academic segments, LexisNexis has designed and developed LexisGreen™ - Law Books and Bare Acts on a Pen drive. This compact yet transformational solution helps smart professionals research better and take clear, confident decisions, anytime, anywhere, without internet access. Through close collaboration with its customers, the company ensures organizations can leverage its solutions to reduce risk, improve productivity, increase profitability and grow their business. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 175 countries with 10,000 employees worldwide, is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.