ABSTRACT
The world’s largest democracy has been ranked 159th in World Press Freedom Index 2024 among 180 countries owing to the prevalent media consolidation and convergence, political biases, prejudice and influence in media, censorship, and attacks and arrests of journalists, among many others.
Investigative journalism is the exposing of consciouslysuppressed public matters and relevant facts, done by any person of authority, to the general public in its interest. This paper throws light on how investigative journalism is vital in upholding the freedom of media and press and how different constitutional provisions back it up.
During the deliberations of this topic, generally, its favourable aspects are overstated while neglecting the dangerous means and medium involved in the process. But it is worth observing that the investigation, in several cases might include the use of clandestine methods including hidden cameras, wire-tapping, undercover reporting, illicit cyber-operations, and engagement of human sources and informants who were believed to be trustworthy.
Hence, this paper aims at balancing the constitutionality of methodologies used in the process and describing the validity and legality of the same with due consideration to the private and public interests. The paper also explores the case studies on relevant scams and scandals unveiled by Indian journalists via this concept.
KEYWORDS
Investigative journalism, Privacy, Public Interest, Freedom of Press, Watchdog, Constitution.