I.D.
END TERM EXAMINATION, APRIL 2017
B.A.LL.B. (HONS.)
SEMESTER- X
Media Law (Opt.-II)
Max. Marks: 60 Time Allowed: 3:00 Hrs.
Note: Answer five questions including Question No. 1 which is compulsory. The number of marks
carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
1. Answer the following (each answer should be in approximately 100 words): (Marks 2×10=20)
a. What is the purpose of free press in democracy?
b. What do you understand by 'paid
c. What is the relationship between freedom of expression and freedom of press?
d. What is the relationship between freedom of press and public order?
e. What do you mean by 'prior restraints'?
f. What do you understand by the term self censorship?
g. What is doctrine of 'direct impact'?
h. Does freedom of speech and expression includes commercial speech?
i. What do you mean by 'media trial'?
j. What are the exceptions to right to information in India?
2. "True democracy can only thrive in a free clearing-house of competing ideologies and
philosophies political, economic and social and in this the press has an important role to
play". Discuss the role of media as a fourth pillar of Indian democracy. (Marks 10)
3. "The standards that we set for our censors must make a substantial allowance in favour of
freedom thus leaving a vast area for creative art to interpret life and society with some of its
foibles along with what is good." In the light of the above statement elucidate how the
Supreme Court has interpreted decency and morality as a ground of reasonable restriction in
its various judicial pronouncements. (Marks 10)
4. "Justice is not a cloistered virtue: she must be allowed to suffer the scrutiny and respectful
even though outspoken comments of ordinary men". How a balance has been made between
freedom of speech and contempt of court to maintain dignity and authority of judiciary in
India? (Marks 10)
5. State the constitutional validity of right to privacy. How the Supreme Court in it's various
judgments recognised the right to privacy in India? (Marks 10)
6. "The freedom of speech that is available to Members of Parliament under Article 105(1) is
wider in amplitude than the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under
Article since the freedom of speech under Article 105(1) is not subject to the
limitations contained in Article 19(2)". Critically examine the statement with relevant case
laws. (Marks 10)
7. What are the salient features of the Right to Information Act, 2005? (Marks 10)