Law, Media and Society — DU B. A. (Hons) Journalism Previous Year Question Papers

: Bachelor of Arts (Honours Course) Journalism 3. Candidates have to answer ANY THREE questions in Part A and ANY THREE questions in Part B. 4. Questions in Part A carry 10 marks each, and questions in Part B carry 20 marks each. (a) Write a short note on the reasonable restrictions placed on freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution. (b) What is the difference between libel and slander? Give examples relevant to media practice. (a) Write a short note on the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Include its key provisions and relevance today. (b) How does popular media shape and reinforce gender stereotypes? Write a short note with examples from advertising. (a) What is the Press Council of India? Write a short note on its composition and functions. (b) Write a short note on self-regulation in Indian media. Explain why it matters, and its limitations. (a) Write a short note on the ethical responsibilities of the media when reporting on children and differently-abled persons. (b) What is hate speech? Write a short note on how Indian law addresses it in the context of media. (a) Discuss the tension between the Right to a Fair Trial and Trial by Media in India. How does media coverage of ongoing criminal cases risk undermining judicial processes, and what legal and ethical safeguards exist? (b) Examine the legality and ethics of sting operations in Indian journalism. When does investigative reporting cross into entrapment or invasion of privacy, and how have Indian courts viewed this? (a) Critically examine the legal framework available in India to protect women from harmful media representation, covering the Indecent Representation of Women Act and the Sexual Harassment Bill of 2007. (b) "The media is both the mirror and the maker of gender inequality." Drawing on legal provisions, advertising practices, and the media's role in shaping public perception, critically evaluate this statement with reference to the Indian context. (a) Discuss the role and relevance of the Central Board of Film Certification in regulating media content using any one recent example. (b) What are the key recommendations made by the Press Commissions of India on media accountability and ethical standards? How relevant are these recommendations in the age of digital journalism? (a) How should the media ethically cover marginalized communities? Discuss the principles of ethical representation and inclusivity with examples of media failures and best practices. (b) Analyse the relationship between inflammatory writing, sedition, and incitement to violence in Indian media law. (a) Is the Indian legal and ethical framework a shield for journalism or a cage. Argue your position drawing from press freedom, media regulation and gender laws. (b) Examine the representation of women in Indian advertising. How do stereotypical portrayals affect public perception and what has changed in recent years?