Media Ethics and the Law

Paper Code: 
25CJMC404
Credits: 
6
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to analyze India's media laws, evaluate media ethics, and examine societal roles and accountability. It will explain the functions of regulatory bodies like the Press Council of India and assess the media's impact on democracy and civic engagement.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment

Strategies

Course

Code

Course

Title

25CJMC404

Media Ethics and the Law

(Theory)

CO169: Evaluate the implications of legislative frameworks on media freedom and accountability.

CO170: Discuss the influence of media on economic dynamics and societal structures, including the challenges posed by commercial pressures.

CO171: Critically Analyse the code of ethics guiding media practitioners and organisations, with a focus on promoting integrity and accountability.

CO172: Evaluate media responses to contemporary challenges such as disinformation, polarization, and threats to press freedom

CO173: Critically assess media coverage of contemporary issues and events in light of ethical standards and professional integrity

CO174: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Demonstration, Team teaching

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, , Simulation, Seminar presentation, s.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

18.00
Unit I: 
Foundations of Constitutional Law in Media
  • Introduction of the Constitution
  • Salient features of Constitution, Rights and Duties of Citizens
  • Directive principles of State Policy
  • Freedom of speech and expression and limitations 
  • Press Council of India, First and Second Press Commissions
18.00
Unit II: 
Legal Framework and Media Responsibilities
  • Right to Information
  • NBA guidelines
  •  Parliamentary Privileges 
  • Defamation- Libel and slander
  • Right to Privacy
  •  IT Act 2000
  • Contempt of Court
18.00
Unit III: 
Gender, Media Regulation, and Ethical Standards
  • Indecent representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
  • The Protection of Women Against Sexual Harassment at Work Place Act 2010 
  • Press and Books Registration Act 
  • Censorship
  • New guidelines for Digital Media
18.00
Unit IV: 
Media Regulation and Societal Impact
  • Copyright Act
  •  Working Journalist Act
  •  Parliamentary Privileges 
  • Indian Penal Code and CrPC- main provisions
18.00
Unit V: 
Media Governance and Social Impact
  • Prasar Bharati Act
  • Media and Economic Pressures 
  • Hate Speech
  • Code of Ethics
  • Media Response to Contemporary Challenges
  • Democracy and Media
Essential Readings: 
  • Ahuja, B. N. (1989). History of press, press laws and communications. Surjeet Publications.
  • Gupta, R. (2015). Media law and ethics. Rajat Publications.
  • Iyer, V. (Ed.). (2000). Mass media laws and regulations in India (2nd ed.). Asian Media Information and Communication Centre.
  • Kumar, S. (2011). Encyclopaedia of cyber laws. ABD Publishers.
  • Kundra, S. (2005). Media laws and Indian Constitution. Anmol Publications.
  • Neelamalar, M. (2009). Media law and ethics. PHI Learning Private Limited.
  • Saxena, A. (2014). Media content, freedom and democracy. Kanishka Publishers.
  • Sharma, J. P. (2016). Cyber laws. Bharat Law House Pvt. Ltd.

Suggested Readings:

  • Gupta, R. (2015). Media law and ethics. Rajat Publications.
  • Kundra, S. (2005). Media laws and Indian Constitution. Anmol Publications.
  • Neelamalar, M. (2009). Media law and ethics. PHI Learning Private Limited.
  • Saxena, A. (2014). Media content freedom and democracy. Kanishka Publishers.
References: 
Academic Year: 
2025-2026
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