END TERM EXAMINATION, APRIL 2016
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. Group defamation
b. Public information officer.
c. Power to impose tax and press freedom
d. Mr. X vs. Hospital Z
e. Hicklin test
f. Security of state and press freedom.
g. Right to broadcast under Indian Constitution
h. Licence secrecy
i. Right to genuine criticism and contempt.
j. Compelled speech
2. The first real attempt to muzzle the press came in 1799 by a set of regulations. Write an essay on the journey towards freedom of speech and expression in India. (Marks10)
3. Explain the concept of government control over media. Do you think that the idea of control over 'electronic media' is against the concept of freedom of speech and expression? Refer the relevant case laws. (Marks 10)
4. 'The press had no absolute right to interview or photograph a prisoner but could do so only with his consent'. Explain this statement in the light of the right to privacy under constitution of India. (Marks 10)
5. Vicious stultification and vulgar debunking cannot be permitted to pollute the stream of justice'. In the light of this statement explain the law of contempt as a recognised exception under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. (Marks10)
6. "The law of obscenity is one of the most controversial, the most ambiguous and the least understood of the laws affecting freedom of expression." Explain. (Marks 10)
7. What are the essential ingredients of a cause of action for defamation? Write down the remedies for defamation with the help of decided cases. (Marks 10)