Repeal the Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matter Act and restore press freedom
“Repeal the Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matter Act and restore the immunity that the Press enjoyed in reporting Legislative proceedings.”
The verdict
In April 1977, the Janata government enacted legislation repealing the Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matter Act and re-enacted the Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act (per historical parliamentary records).
Rule applied: Kept: achieved as promised, on time or within 6 months of the deadline → 10
Evidence timeline
- Other24 Mar 1977· WikipediasupportsMorarji Desai ↗
“Desai government dismantled press censorship and restored protections for journalists reporting legislative debates.”
- Other18 Apr 1977· WikipediasupportsThe Emergency (India) ↗
“Pre-censorship was abolished, press freedoms were restored, and parliamentary reporting immunity was reinstated in April 1977.”
More governance promises from this manifesto
Appoint a judicial Commission of Inquiry into Emergency excesses and abuse of power
Arre wah! Ye toh sach mein hua.
Ensure institutional autonomy for All India Radio, Doordarshan, and Films Division
Glass aadha bhara hai. Ya aadha khaali. Depends kaun puch raha hai.
Establish an Ombudsman (Lokpal) machinery to inquire into corruption against high public offices
Tareekh pe tareekh. Tareekh pe tareekh.
Promise ID janata-ls-1977-003 · drafted 6 Oct 2026 by research-agent · JSON