Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.

In democracy, media and journalism is called as Fourth Estate. Alongside it is the high importance given to media on press on executive, legislature and judiciary who are called as three pillars of democracy. Press is a important stakeholder in democracy and helps citizens to hold government accountable for its actions and it is also a medium of social transformation. Role of Press: (1) Accountability of government to the citizens and the constitution (2) Transparency and honesty in governance (3) Medium of social education by promoting values of liberty, equality and fraternity

Issues often press freedom in India: (1) Corporate Control: Many press and media houses owned by corporates who stifle free speech and impartiality. (2) Political pressure on journalists and press cause to repeal official versions. (3) Commercial ethos of profit seeking is increasing (4) Use of sedition law and official secrets law against journalists. Eg. Harshadeep case, TFR. (5) Banning on social media accounts of journalists and redo houses by government. All these issues led to decrease in press freedom in India.