The Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977

The Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977, is a crucial piece of legislation that protects the publication of reports of parliamentary proceedings. It grants privilege to newspapers and broadcasts for reporting on Parliament’s activities, ensuring the public is informed about the functioning of their government. This Act aims to balance the public’s right to know with the need to prevent malicious reporting.

1: Act Background and ministry under which this act is:

The Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977, was enacted to protect the publication of reports of proceedings of Parliament. It aims to ensure that the public has access to accurate information about parliamentary proceedings without fear of legal repercussions for the media. This act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.

2: Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:

The Act was enacted on 18th April 1977. It has no chapters and consists of 4 sections.

3: Act Governed By:

The Act is primarily governed by the judiciary, which interprets and applies its provisions in cases involving the publication of parliamentary proceedings. The Ministry of Law and Justice also plays a role in overseeing the Act’s implementation. The Act is applicable to newspapers and broadcasting stations within the territories of India.

4: On Whom it is applicable:

This Act applies to newspapers, news agencies, and broadcasting stations in India. It protects these entities from legal action for publishing substantially true reports of parliamentary proceedings, provided that the publication is not made with malice and is in the public good.

5: Penalties/Punishments:

The Act does not prescribe penalties or punishments. Instead, it provides protection from legal proceedings for the publication of substantially true reports of parliamentary proceedings. However, this protection is not absolute and does not extend to publications made with malice or those that are not in the public good.

6: Important Pointers:

• The Act protects the publication of substantially true reports of parliamentary proceedings in newspapers and broadcasts.

• It provides immunity from civil and criminal proceedings for such publications.

• The protection does not extend to publications made with malice or those not in the public interest.

• The Act defines “newspaper” to include news agencies supplying material for publication.

• It also applies to parliamentary proceedings broadcast via wireless telegraphy.

• The Act aims to ensure transparency and public access to information about parliamentary debates and discussions.

7: Act Copy: