Media Laws and Ethics

Press laws and restrictions

29 Previous Year Questions from 2006–2023 · answers and explanations included

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Who is regulated? What is prohibited? What remedy applies?

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Questions, answers & explanations

Open each answer after attempting the question.

29 of 29 questions
Question 1 of 29Original Question No.: 41Asked in: December 2006 Paper II

Write the proper sequence of the Indian press laws given here in terms of their historicity.

  1. Official Secrets Act, Copyright Act, Contempt of Court Act, Right to Information Act.
  2. Contempt of Court Act, Copyright Act, Official Secrets Act, Right to Information Act.
  3. Copyright Act, Right to Information Act, Contempt of Court, Official Secrets Act.
  4. Right to Information Act, Official Secrets Act, Contempt of Court Act, Copyright Act.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Official Secrets Act, Copyright Act, Contempt of Court Act, Right to Information Act.

Option 1 gives the keyed pairing or order: Official Secrets Act, Copyright Act, Contempt of Court Act, Right to Information Act.. Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

Question 2 of 29Original Question No.: 40Asked in: June 2006 Paper II

The correct chronogical sequence of Indian Press laws is

  1. Official Secrets Act - Copyright Act - Contempt of Court Act - Right to Information Act
  2. Contempt of Court Act - Copyright Act - Right to Information Act- Official Secrets Act
  3. Copyright Act - Right to Information Act- Contempt of Court Act - Official Secrets Act
  4. Right to Information Act- Official Secrets Act - Contempt of Court Act - Copyright Act
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Official Secrets Act - Copyright Act - Contempt of Court Act - Right to Information Act

Option 1 gives the keyed pairing or order: Official Secrets Act - Copyright Act - Contempt of Court Act - Right to Information Act. Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

Question 3 of 29Original Question No.: 12Asked in: December 2007 Paper II

Truth is not a defence in cases involving:

  1. Criminal libel
  2. Civil libel
  3. Slander
  4. Official secrets
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Correct answer

D. Official secrets

The keyed response is option 4, “Official secrets”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 4 of 29Original Question No.: 6Asked in: December 2009 Paper II

‘Working Journalists Act’ was introduced in

  1. 1947
  2. 1950
  3. 1955
  4. 1960
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Correct answer

C. 1955

The keyed response is option 3, “1955”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 5 of 29Original Question No.: 31Asked in: December 2009 Paper II

Match List-I (Acts) with List-II (Years of enactment). List – I List – II (Acts) (Years of enactment) (i) Official Secrets Act (a) 1923 (ii) Press and Registration of Books Act (b) 1995 (iii) Right to Information Act (c) 2005 (iv) Cable Networks (Regulation) Act (d) 1878 Code: (a) (b) (c) (d)

  1. (ii) (i) (iv) (iii)
  2. (i) (iv) (iii) (ii)
  3. (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
  4. (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

B. (i) (iv) (iii) (ii)

Option 2 gives the keyed pairing or order: (i) (iv) (iii) (ii). Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

Question 6 of 29Original Question No.: 42Asked in: June 2011 Paper II

Match List – I (legal terms) with List – II (related areas) List – I (Legal terms) List – II (Related areas) (a) Defamation (i) Country (b) FIR (ii) Slander (c) Contempt (iii) Court (d) Sedition (iv) Police Codes: (a) (b) (c) (d)

  1. (ii) (iv) (iii) (i)
  2. (i) (iv) (iii) (ii)
  3. (i) (iv) (ii) (iii)
  4. (ii) (iv) (i) (iii)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. (ii) (iv) (iii) (i)

Option 1 gives the keyed pairing or order: (ii) (iv) (iii) (i). Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

Question 7 of 29Original Question No.: 18Asked in: December 2012 Paper III

In the cases of defamation, the term ‘Manipulation’ means

  1. Rumour
  2. Propaganda
  3. Abuse
  4. Allegation of fact
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Correct answer

D. Allegation of fact

The keyed response is option 4, “Allegation of fact”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 8 of 29Original Question No.: 20Asked in: December 2012 Paper III

The Second Press Commission of India recommended the removal of Section 5 of

  1. the Press Council Act, 1978
  2. the Official Secrets Act, 1923
  3. the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
  4. the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

B. the Official Secrets Act, 1923

The keyed response is option 2, “the Official Secrets Act, 1923”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 9 of 29Original Question No.: 14Asked in: December 2013 Paper III

The Copyright Board in India has certain powers of

  1. the legislature
  2. criminal procedure
  3. civil courts
  4. the executive
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Correct answer

C. civil courts

The keyed response is option 3, “civil courts”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 10 of 29Original Question No.: 23Asked in: June 2013 Paper III

Civil detention is a punishment for

  1. Sedition
  2. Breach of secrets
  3. Contempt of court
  4. Copyright violation
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Correct answer

C. Contempt of court

The keyed response is option 3, “Contempt of court”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 11 of 29Original Question No.: 24Asked in: June 2013 Paper III

Limitation for actions of contempt of court is ________ year from the date of contempt.

  1. one
  2. two
  3. three
  4. four
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Correct answer

A. one

The keyed response is option 1, “one”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 12 of 29Original Question No.: 25Asked in: June 2013 Paper III

The second press commission of India suggested the removal of ________ from the official secrets Act of India, 1923.

  1. Section 5
  2. Section 8
  3. Section 11
  4. Section 14
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Correct answer

A. Section 5

The keyed response is option 1, “Section 5”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 13 of 29Original Question No.: 39Asked in: December 2014 Paper III

Which Committee was constituted to study the law relating to Contempt of Court?

  1. Sarkaria Committee
  2. Sawant Committee
  3. Sanyal Committee
  4. Verghese Committee
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Correct answer

C. Sanyal Committee

The keyed response is option 3, “Sanyal Committee”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 14 of 29Original Question No.: 40Asked in: December 2014 Paper III

Section 3 and 4 of Official Secrets Act, 1923 deal with

  1. Spying
  2. Wrong communication
  3. Authorization
  4. Use of material
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Correct answer

A. Spying

The keyed response is option 1, “Spying”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 15 of 29Original Question No.: 41Asked in: December 2014 Paper III

The Second Press Commission describes ______ law as a “Tale of two interests”.

  1. Contempt of Court
  2. Freedom of Press
  3. Sovereignty
  4. Defamation
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Correct answer

D. Defamation

The keyed response is option 4, “Defamation”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 16 of 29Original Question No.: 23Asked in: June 2014 Paper III

Forfeiture of any publication, containing prohibited contents, is permitted under

  1. Finance Act, 1978
  2. Criminal Procedure Code
  3. Copyright Act
  4. Press and Registration of Books Act
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Correct answer

B. Criminal Procedure Code

The keyed response is option 2, “Criminal Procedure Code”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 17 of 29Original Question No.: 52Asked in: July 2016 Paper III

Assertion (A): A strike by working journalists can be termed as illegal. Reason (R): If it is resorted to by violating a term of a settlement or during a pendency of arbitration proceedings before an arbitrator. Codes:

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Both (A) and (R) are true.

Option 1 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: Both (A) and (R) are true.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 18 of 29Original Question No.: 63Asked in: July 2016 Paper III

Find the correct chronological order of the following:

  1. The Indian Press Act – The Indian Penal Code – The Press and Registration of Books Act – The Vernacular Press Act
  2. The Indian Penal Code – The Indian Press Act – The Press and Registration of Books Act – The Vernacular Press Act
  3. The Vernacular Press Act – The Indian Penal Code – The Indian Press Act – The Press and Registration of Books Act.
  4. The Indian Penal Code – The Press and Registration of Books Act – The Vernacular Press Act – The Indian Press Act
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

D. The Indian Penal Code – The Press and Registration of Books Act – The Vernacular Press Act – The Indian Press Act

Option 4 gives the keyed pairing or order: The Indian Penal Code – The Press and Registration of Books Act – The Vernacular Press Act – The Indian Press Act. Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

Question 19 of 29Original Question No.: 65Asked in: July 2016 Paper III

Find the correct chronological order of the following:

  1. The Indian Post Office Act – The Official Secrets Act – The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Library) Act – The Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act
  2. The Official Secrets Act – The Indian Post Office Act – The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Library) Act – The Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act
  3. The Indian Post Office Act – The Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act – The Official Secrets Act – The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Library) Act
  4. The Official Secrets Act – The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Library) Act – The Indian Post Office Act – The Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. The Indian Post Office Act – The Official Secrets Act – The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Library) Act – The Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act

Option 1 gives the keyed pairing or order: The Indian Post Office Act – The Official Secrets Act – The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Library) Act – The Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act. Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

Question 20 of 29Original Question No.: 52Asked in: September 2016 Paper III

Assertion (A): The defence of qualified privilege under the law of defamation is available to the publication of legislative committee reports. Reason (R): The constitutional protection is not available for legislative committee reports, even if it is bonafide and correct. Codes:

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Both (A) and (R) are true.

Option 1 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: Both (A) and (R) are true.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 21 of 29Original Question No.: 58Asked in: September 2016 Paper III

Assertion (A): The name of a newspaper falls under the preview of copyright. Reason (R): The relief is available under ‘passing off’ and ‘defamation’. Codes:

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Option 4 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: (A) is false, but (R) is true.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 22 of 29Original Question No.: 25Asked in: January 2017 Paper III

The civil law of defamation in India is based on

  1. American common law
  2. French common law
  3. Russian common law
  4. English common law
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Correct answer

D. English common law

The keyed response is option 4, “English common law”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 23 of 29Original Question No.: 15Asked in: November 2017 Paper III

of the statement is not a defence in a criminal proceeding against defamation.

  1. Interpretation
  2. Public approval
  3. Power
  4. Truth
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Correct answer

D. Truth

The keyed response is option 4, “Truth”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 24 of 29Original Question No.: 46Asked in: July 2018 Paper II

Section 292 of IPC prescribes punishment for:

  1. Copyright infringement
  2. Obscene publication
  3. Contempt of court
  4. Prejudicial acts against national integration
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Correct answer

B. Obscene publication

The keyed response is option 2, “Obscene publication”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 25 of 29Original Question No.: 22Asked in: June 2020 cycle - 24 September 2020, Shift II

The doctrine of privileged documents is related to the law of

  1. Copyright
  2. Evidence
  3. Sedition
  4. Defamation
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Correct answer

B. Evidence

The keyed response is option 2, “Evidence”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 26 of 29Original Question No.: 56Asked in: June 2020 cycle - 24 September 2020, Shift II

The amount of damages in the cases involving defamation depends upon factors such as A. Social position of the plaintiff B. Nature of imputation C. Mode of publication D. Unmitigating circumstances E. Third-party intervention F. Discretion of judicial authority Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. A, Cand D only
  2. A, D and F only
  3. B, E and F only
  4. A, B and C only
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Correct answer

D. A, B and C only

The keyed response is option 4, “A, B and C only”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 27 of 29Original Question No.: 78Asked in: December 2022 cycle - 3 March 2023, Shift I

Correct the sequence cronologically A. The Official Secrets Act B. The Press and Registration of Books Act C. The Right to Information Act D. The Contempt of Court Act E. The Prasar Bharti Act Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. A, B, C, D, E
  2. B, A, D, E, C
  3. C, A, B, D, E
  4. E, A, B, C, D
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Correct answer

B. B, A, D, E, C

Option 2 gives the keyed pairing or order: B, A, D, E, C. Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

Question 28 of 29Original Question No.: 76Asked in: December 2023 - 13 December 2023, Shift II

Identify the following in ascending order A. Official Secrets act B. Press and Books Registration Act C. Press Council Act D. Copy Right Act E_ Patent Act Chose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. D,E,A,B,C
  2. B,.D,A,E,C
  3. B,D,C,E,A
  4. A,B,E,C,D
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

B. B,.D,A,E,C

The keyed response is option 2, “B,.D,A,E,C”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this press laws and restrictions question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 29 of 29Original Question No.: 77Asked in: December 2023 - 13 December 2023, Shift II

Identify the correct descending chronological order of the following acts A. Trade Union Act B. Industrial Dispute Act C. Employees Insurance Act D. Working Journalists Act E. Payment of Wages Act Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. A,B,C,D,E
  2. B,C,D,E,A
  3. D,C,B,E,A
  4. C,D,A,B,E
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

C. D,C,B,E,A

Option 3 gives the keyed pairing or order: D,C,B,E,A. Reconstruct the dates or associations in press laws and restrictions before comparing the four sequences.

References

  1. Question papers and answer keys: UGC NET Mass Communication and Journalism — December 2006 Paper II; June 2006 Paper II; December 2007 Paper II; December 2009 Paper II; June 2011 Paper II; December 2012 Paper III; December 2013 Paper III; June 2013 Paper III; December 2014 Paper III; June 2014 Paper III; July 2016 Paper III; September 2016 Paper III; January 2017 Paper III; November 2017 Paper III; July 2018 Paper II; June 2020 cycle - 24 September 2020, Shift II; December 2022 cycle - 3 March 2023, Shift I; December 2023 - 13 December 2023, Shift II.
  2. Nayyar, Deepak. Modern Mass Communication: Concepts and Processes.
  3. Sterling, Christopher H., general editor. Encyclopedia of Journalism.
  4. University Grants Commission. UGC NET syllabus listing, Subject Code 63: Mass Communication and Journalism.
  5. India Code. Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023.