The Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977
The Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977 is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament to provide legal protection for the publication of parliamentary proceedings.
Key features of the Act:
Purpose:
The Act aims to protect the publication of reports, summaries, or abstracts of proceedings in Parliament (both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) from legal actions like defamation suits or contempt of court, provided these publications are fair and accurate.
Freedom of Press and Public:
Parliamentary debates and proceedings are of public interest and essential for democratic transparency. This Act ensures that the media, reporters, and public can publish these proceedings without fear of legal repercussions.
Protection Provided:
If the publication is a fair and accurate report of the parliamentary proceedings, it cannot be questioned in any court of law on grounds such as defamation, contempt of court, or any other civil or criminal proceedings.
Scope of Application:
The protection applies to all publications reporting on debates, speeches, questions, and other proceedings in either House of Parliament or its committees.
Limitations:
The protection applies only if the publication is fair, accurate, and without malice. False or misleading reports are not protected.
Importance:
The Act strengthens parliamentary democracy by ensuring transparency and enabling the media to inform the public about parliamentary activities without fear of legal harassment.
Table Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Act | The Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977 |
| Year of Enactment | 1977 |
| Purpose | To protect publication of parliamentary proceedings from legal action |
| Protection Provided | Immunity from defamation, contempt, and other legal suits if publication is fair and accurate |
| Scope | Reports, summaries, and abstracts of parliamentary proceedings in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and committees |
| Conditions for Protection | Publication must be fair, accurate, and without malice |
| Significance | Ensures freedom of press and transparency in parliamentary democracy |
| Limitations | Protection not granted for false or malicious publications |
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