The government has assured that it will not do anything to hinder the freedom of the press.
The government gave this assurance to journalists in a press release issued by the President's Office following criticism that the Evidence Bill requires journalists to disclose their sources.
The President's Office said in a statement that the government will not do anything to hinder freedom of the press while protecting journalists and their rights under Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution. The government will always do its utmost to ensure freedom of the press and promote freedom of the press, read the statement.
The right not to be compelled to disclose the source of information is upheld in free and democratic societies after weighing its purpose, privileges, and the importance of protecting the right. Section 136 of the Evidence Act prohibits compelling a journalist or media agency to disclose information without the consent of the person who provided the information if the journalist has obtained the information on the basis of a promise or assurance of confidentiality there is.
However, the Act provides for two exceptions to this rule. The two situations are if the information disclosed by the journalist relates to terrorism offenses or national security offenses.
The President's Office said that even in cases where such information is involved, a court order can only allow disclosure of the source if it is proved by the civil standard, taking into account the circumstances and reasons mentioned in Article 136 of the Evidence Act.
Thus, the law contains a comprehensive list of factors that a judge must take into account in granting permission to disclose the source, said the President's Office. The Evidence Act requires courts to consider all the points set out in the law before issuing an order requiring a journalist to disclose the source of information and the journalist has the right to appeal against a court order to disclose the source stated.
The government gave this assurance to journalists in a press release issued by the President's Office following criticism that the Evidence Bill requires journalists to disclose their sources.
The President's Office said in a statement that the government will not do anything to hinder freedom of the press while protecting journalists and their rights under Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution. The government will always do its utmost to ensure freedom of the press and promote freedom of the press, read the statement.
The right not to be compelled to disclose the source of information is upheld in free and democratic societies after weighing its purpose, privileges, and the importance of protecting the right. Section 136 of the Evidence Act prohibits compelling a journalist or media agency to disclose information without the consent of the person who provided the information if the journalist has obtained the information on the basis of a promise or assurance of confidentiality there is.
However, the Act provides for two exceptions to this rule. The two situations are if the information disclosed by the journalist relates to terrorism offenses or national security offenses.
The President's Office said that even in cases where such information is involved, a court order can only allow disclosure of the source if it is proved by the civil standard, taking into account the circumstances and reasons mentioned in Article 136 of the Evidence Act.
Thus, the law contains a comprehensive list of factors that a judge must take into account in granting permission to disclose the source, said the President's Office. The Evidence Act requires courts to consider all the points set out in the law before issuing an order requiring a journalist to disclose the source of information and the journalist has the right to appeal against a court order to disclose the source stated.
