Mass Media systems of the world vary from each other according to the economy, polity, religion and culture of different societies. Indian perspective and its system of Parliamentary Democracy, it is true that, the Press is free but subject to certain reasonable restrictions imposed by the Constitution of India, 1950, as amended (“Constitution”).

Before the impact of globalization was felt, the mass media was wholly controlled by the government, which let the media project only what the government wanted the public to see and in a way in which it wanted the public to see it. However, with the onset of globalization and privatization, the situation has undergone a humongous change. Historical Perspective of Mass Media Laws in India has a long history and are deeply rooted in the country’s colonial experience under British rule.  Thus, although the freedom of the press is guaranteed as a fundamental right, it is necessary for us to deal with the various laws governing the different areas of media so as to appreciate the vast expanse of media laws.

Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.

1995 basically regulates the operation of Cable Television in the territory of India and regulates the subscription rates and the total number of total subscribers receiving programmes transmitted in the basic tier. In pursuance of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2002, the Central Government may make it obligatory for every cable operator to transmit or retransmit programme of any pay channel through an addressable system as and when the Central Government so notifies. Such notification may also specify the number of free to air channels to be included in the package of channels forming the basic service tier.

Films & the Cinematograph Act, 1952

India is one of the largest producers of motion pictures in the world. Encompassing three major spheres of activity – production, distribution and exhibition, the industry has an all-India spread, employing thousands of people and entertaining millions each year. The Cinematograph Act of 1952 has been passed to make provisions for a certification of cinematographed films for exhibitions by means of Cinematograph. Under this Act, a Board of Film Censors (now renamed Central Board of Film Certification) with advisory panels at regional centers is empowered to examine every film and sanction it whether for unrestricted exhibition or for exhibition restricted to adults. The Board is also empowered to refuse to sanction a film for public exhibition. The various laws are carefully dealt with at Ferry Dhiman & Co. for Sensor Board permissions, bonds with artists, production rights etc.

Telecom Laws

TRAI has imposed so many laws on telecommunication companies and mobile / GPRS operating companies. These acts & rules require various legal compliance ,such as registrations, grant of license ,approvals and various deeds, contracts of telecom companies are drafted keeping in view the legal provisions of these acts . At Ferry Dhiman & co. the team of technology lawyers having diverse technical background  is always committed for these services.

Information technology laws

Information technology acts are applicable on computer related data transfer, use of software & hardware and on the use and rights of internet. With the advent of modern technologies information technology is a very wide area of study new legal complication have been arising from time to time. Ferry Dhiman & Co. is committed to handle this domain with utmost care. Litigation regarding criminal matters of data transfer, internet data hacking and other online white-collar crimes are handled with interest for legal research purpose also .

Other Communications and Media Laws
Freedom of Information Bill 2002
Information Technology Act, 2000
Official Secrets Act, no. 19 of 1923
Press Council Act, no. 37 of 1978
The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2002
The Cinematograph Act, 1952
The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
The Information Technology Act
The Information Technology Act, 2000
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (amendment) Act 1997
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act 1997