Developments during First World War
1914 – 18
During the I-World War, 1914-18, the
Defence of India was promulgated.
The executive used these powers not
only to repress the political agitations,
but also to suppress the free public
criticism.
In 1921, a press Committee was
appointed under the chairmanship
of Sir Tej Bahadur sapru, then Law
Member of the Viceroy’s Executive
Council, to review the working of
press laws. On the recommendations
of the committee, the Press Acts of
1908 and 1910, were repealed.
With the nationalistic struggle
intensifying in thirties especially
under the impact of the civil
disobedience movement launched
by Mahatma Gandhi, the Press
Ordinance of 1930 was issued. This
act revived the provisions of the Press
Act of 1910.

It was followed by the Indian press
Emergency Powers Act, 1930 to
provide for the better control of the
Press. The act invested immense
powers in the hands of the provincial
governments, to suppress the
propaganda for the Civil Disobedience
Movement.
Developments During Second World War
The government under the Defence
of India Act, assumed special powers
during the II World War (1939-45)
Pre-censorship was in force.
Amendments were made in the Official
Secrets Act and Press Emergency
Act.
Developments after
Independence
Press (Objectionable Matters) Act,
1951 was passed along with an
Amendment to Article 19(2) of the
Indian Constitution.
This act empowered the government
to demand and forfeit security for
publication of objectionable matter.