Over the years, freedom of press in India has suffered because of the rampant misuse of the law on sedition and national security, SLAPP suits, large-scale surveillance and frequent internet shutdowns. The situation has worsened because of an increasing rise in social media users who misuse the platform to reveal personal details of journalists, create false narratives, and encourage physical harm against them — simply because they speak truth to power.
These threats compel journalists to seek legal support. However, because such support is expensive, journalists are cornered into silence.
The Digital Patrakar Defence Clinic, a weekly pro bono clinic, has been launched with an aim to empower journalists to respond to such threats, and cultivate an environment which enables the fourth estate to flourish.
Journalists from across India can attend the Clinic (on Zoom) and seek free legal support from our partner lawyers, who are experts on freedom of the press, criminal law, digital rights and free speech.
