1. Press Council Act, 1978

Established the Press Council of India (PCI).
Ensures freedom of the press and maintains high standards in journalism.
PCI can issue warnings or censure but has no legal power to penalize.

2. The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867

Governs registration of newspapers, books, and printing presses.
Requires printers and publishers to declare details to district magistrates.
Now partially replaced under the PRB Act (amendments 2023) — for online & offline news media.

3. Information Technology Act, 2000 (with 2021 Rules)

Regulates digital and online content.
2021 IT Rules mandate grievance redressal and traceability for publishers and intermediaries.
Applied heavily to digital news platforms, YouTubers, OTTs.

4. Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995

Controls cable TV operations, content codes, and licensing.
News broadcasters must comply with content rules and program codes.

5. Contempt of Courts Act, 1971

Restricts media from publishing content that can “scandalize or lower” the authority of courts.
Journalists must avoid prejudicial reporting in ongoing trials.

6. Official Secrets Act, 1923

Prohibits reporting classified government information.
Journalists publishing leaked documents could be prosecuted under this Act.

7. Defamation Laws (Sections 499–500 IPC)

Defamation is both a civil and criminal offense in India.
Publishing defamatory statements can lead to imprisonment (up to 2 years) or fine.

8. Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

Empowers journalists to access government records and documents.
Widely used in investigative journalism.

9. Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986

Prohibits publication or advertisement containing indecent representation of women.

10. Copyright Act, 1957

Journalists and media houses must respect intellectual property.
Unauthorized use of photos, video, or content can lead to legal action.