# Independent India Needs an Independent Press 2026-08-15T08:56:33+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The News Minute argues that India’s freedom struggle was also a battle for control over information. Newspapers led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Maulana Azad challenged colonial rule and helped build political consciousness. The article recalls restrictions including the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 and the Press Act of 1910. After Independence, it says, journalism’s task shifted from challenging colonial power to scrutinising Indian governments. It cites reporting on the Mundhra scandal, the Bhagalpur blindings and the Harshad Mehta-linked stock market irregularities. Press freedom, protected through Article 19(1)(a), is presented as a citizen’s right to know, question and participate in public life. ## Coverage - thenewsminute.com Tags: B.R. Ambedkar, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, The News Minute Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/independent-india-needs-an-independent-press/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/independent-india-needs-an-independent-press/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.