Early History of the Press up to 1822

• The history of the Press in India began with the Englishmen during the time of the East India Company, starting in the second half of the eighteenth century.

• Early journals aimed at information and amusement, containing extracts from newspapers published in England or Europe.

• Warren Hastings and Hicky: The Bengal Gazette was started in 1780 by Hicky as a weekly. It criticized Warren Hastings and his policies, leading to Hicky’s arrest and imprisonment in 1782, ending the journal. Hicky was a strong advocate for the liberty of the press.

• Hicky believed the liberty of the press was essential for Englishmen and free Government, emphasizing that subjects should have the liberty to express their opinions.

• Cornwallis and Duane: Lord Cornwallis faced difficulties with the press, particularly with Mr. Duane, the editor of Indian World. Duane was arrested and deported to Europe after persistent conflicts with Cornwallis.

• In 1796, Mckenly, editor of the Telegraph, published allegations against Government servants, leading to official censorship. The editor of the Calcutta Gazette was also censured for publishing certain communications.

• Lord Wellesley (1798-1805): Concerned about a potential French invasion and the Marathas’ ambitions, Wellesley imposed press censorship in 1799. Editors and proprietors were required to publish their names, and the Bengal Kirkaru editor, Charles Maclean, was deported for criticizing government actions.

• Maclean opposed Wellesley from England, contributing to the agitation leading to Wellesley’s resignation. No significant changes occurred during Lord Minto’s time (1808-1813).

• Lord Hastings (1813-1823): Hastings valued an independent press and modified the censorship in 1813, later abolishing the post of Censor in 1818. However, regulations still limited the freedom of the press, restricting criticism of the Indian authorities, local administration, and religion.

• Buckingham: Following the abolition of censorship, new journals appeared. J. S. Buckingham started the Calcutta Journal in 1818, fearlessly criticizing authorities like the Chief Justice and Governor of Madras. Like Hicky and Duane, Buckingham was deported and later made a name in England.

Munro’s Recommendations

• The Government of India deputed Sir Thomas Munro to examine and report on the problem of the press in India.

• Munro studied the issue and made recommendations to the Government.

• Munro believed that the European press posed little danger and was not a serious issue.

• He stated, “As far as the Europeans only, whether in or out of service, the freedom or restriction of the press could do little good or harm” and that it hardly deserved serious attention.

• Despite this, Munro recommended the maintenance of censorship for the European press and the retention of the power to deport editors and pressmen.

• Regarding the Indian press, Munro expressed anxiety and fears.

• Munro acknowledged that while the danger of a rebellious press was distant, it still existed and could corrupt the Indian army, potentially leading to the overthrow of British power.

• He feared that a free press could spread principles of liberty among the people and stimulate them to expel the foreign rulers and establish a national government.

• Munro concluded that “a free press and domination of strangers are things which are quite incompatible and cannot long exist together.”