Privacy and Media Intrusion: Subtle Compatibility

Abstract

In the present era, the most appealing way to transmit ideas that appeals to both the visual and the aural senses is undoubtedly media. It is fourth estate of government fulfilling the purpose of Art 19(1) (a) of Constitution. These days’ media has often infringed right to privacy, predominantly electronic media after coming into picture the 24hrs news channels which make stories or show less important news as BREAKING NEWS to feed the gossip for hungry viewers or the play child of budding journalists to gain recognition, recent e.g. dual murder case of the Arushi- Hemraj in Noida. Sting operation which is an ‘illegitimate journalistic tool’ has degenerated into cheap entertainment as frequently carried out to increase TRP ratings or to ‘interest the public’ rather than ‘public interest’. Undoubtedly, privacy is under siege but lawmakers have not shown scant concern as law of privacy relegated to a penumbral status, still not recognised as inherent fundamental right. With more technical advancement it’s becoming easy to peep into bedrooms of others and individual has protection from state intervention but what about person infringing one’s privacy right sitting miles away in foreign land. These questions have not been addressed by legislature and even the new ITA seems obsolete. The law of privacy is much like a jigsaw puzzle with some pieces missing; it is generally hard to discern a meaningful pattern. But it is time our lawmakers should enact appropriate laws to protect privacy rather than laws that license intrusion into private affairs. Media is an organ of great power and responsibility. It has done commendable jobs like in Jessica Lal case. Thus it is expected that it continues to help in getting justice and does not run in the rat race for popularity and profits. Keywords: Media, media ethics, privacy, Right to privacy, media privacy, Freedom of Media & Press, fundamental right, laws.

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