Freedom of the press is the freedom of communication & expression through vehicles including various electronic media & published materials. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other protection. The Indian Press has a long history right from the times of British rule in the country. The British Government enacted a number of legislations to control the press, like the Indian Press Act, 1910, then in 1931-32 the Indian Press (Emergency) Act etc. During the Second World War (1939-45), the executive exercised exhaustive powers under the Defence of India Act & enforced censorship on press. At the same time the publication of all news relating to the Congress activities declared illegal. In the Post-Constitutional Era, there is a change in the outlook. The Constitution of India in Article 19(1) (a) lays down that “All citizens shall have the right, to freedom of speech & expression.” Unlike, the U.S. Constitution, the Indian Constitution does not expressly provide freedom of press. However, it is now well settled that the words “speech & expression” in Article 19(1) (a) includes freedom of press also. The freedom of press means freedom from interference from authority which would have the effect of interference with the content & circulation of newspapers. The Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution is subject to certain restrictions laid down in Article 19(2) of the Constitution.