Question

Censorship of the press _________________.

• A. is prohibited by the Constitution
• B. has to be judged by the test of reasonableness
• C. is a restriction on the freedom of the press mentioned in Article 20
• D. is specified in Article 31 of the Constitution

Answer 1

The correct option is B has to be judged by the test of reasonableness

Censorship of the press has to be judged by the test of reasonableness. Clause (2) of Article 19 of the Indian constitution governs censorship of press under free speech category. It enables the legislature to impose certain restrictions on free speech only under following heads:

I. Security of the State

II. Friendly relations with foreign States

III. Public order

IV. Decency and morality

V. Contempt of court

VI. Defamation

VII. Incitement to an offence

VIII. Sovereignty and integrity of India