The Second Press Commission describes law as a “Tale of two interests”.
- Contempt of Court
- Freedom of Press
- Sovereignty
- Defamation
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
The Second Press Commission (1980–1982), which was established to review the state of the press in India and recommend reforms, offered critical insights into the tension between freedom of expression and protection of individual reputation. When it described law as a “Tale of two interests,” it referred specifically to the legal complexities of defamation.
Defamation law is unique because it requires a delicate balancing act between two equally important rights: on one side, the right of the press or any citizen to express opinions freely and without fear; on the other side, the right of individuals to protect their dignity and reputation against false and harmful statements.
The Commission emphasized that in a democratic society, journalists must navigate this duality with great care. Publishing unverified, slanderous, or malicious information can severely damage someone’s reputation, leading to legal consequences. At the same time, overregulating speech under the pretext of protecting reputation can stifle journalistic freedom and discourage critical reporting.
By describing defamation law as a “Tale of two interests,” the Second Press Commission captured the ongoing tension between these competing priorities. Therefore, option D (Defamation) is the correct and most contextually appropriate answer.
