“The freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty and can never be restrained; but by despotic governments”, said George Mason

The Press is regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy and has acted as ‘vox populi’ or the ‘voice of the people’. The right to free speech and expression is pre-eminent among all basic rights. A free press with its undoubted powers and resources to speak on important issues of the day, to enlighten people on matters of general importance, as also to champion the cause of the weak and oppressed, to point out the shortcomings of the government of the day and to help development of a clean, healthy, competent, candid and critical yet having a constructive bent of mind is a desideratum in modern democracies. Thus, we may argue that a free press is essential to a democracy's ability to endure and flourish as well as to uphold the principles of open and honest government. Members of a democratic society must actively and intelligently participate in community affairs. In order for people to effectively participate in social, cultural, and political processes, the press must present an accurate and transparent account of events as well as a platform for debate and well-informed critique. The only way for people to rule themselves effectively is through the fair presentation of opposing viewpoints and the collective wisdom that comes from the best available information. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said, “freedom of speech and expression, must include freedom of the press, guaranteed under Chapter III (Fundamental Rights), Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution”. However, there were issues with how this was actually implemented. The Supreme Court of India through legal pronouncements and judgements, clarified that the freedom of the press was included in freedom of expression. Evidently, a free and open debate and discussion, are not possible, unless there is a free, open and independent press. Some claim that the government suppresses the media by using existing laws, and that press freedom has been deteriorating. The community benefits from the freedom to voice candid and reasonable opinions on issues of public interest, and the press, as a potent medium for mass communication, ought to be allowed to fulfil its function. Denying citizens their right to freedom of the press will inevitably weaken their ability to shape public opinion and be against democratic ideals. The several obstacles to press freedom in India that have contributed significantly to the country's dropping position in the World Press Freedom Index will be mentioned in this article.