Meghalaya Assembly Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977
No: 7 Dated: Dec, 06 1977
THE MEGHALAYA ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS (PROTECTION OF PUBLICATION) ACT, 1977
ACT 7 OF 1977
An Act to provide for protection of publication of reports of the proceedings of the Assembly Be it enacted by the Legislature of Meghalaya in the Twenty-eight Year of the Republic of India as follows:-
1. Short title and commencement:- (1) This Act may be called the Meghalaya Assembly Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act, 1977.
(2) It shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions:- In this Act “Newspaper” means any printed periodical work containing public news or comments on public news, and includes a news-agency supplying material for publication in a newspaper.
3. Publication of reports of the Assembly proceedings privileged:- (1) Save as otherwise provided in sub-section (2), no person shall be liable to any proceedings, civil or criminal, in any court in respect of the publication in a newspaper of a substantially true report of any proceedings of the House of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya unless the publication is proved to have been made with malice.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall be construed as protecting the publication of any matter, the publication of which is not for the public good.
4. Act also to apply to Assembly proceedings broadcast by wireless telegraphy:- The Act shall apply in relation to reports or matters broadcast by means of wireless telegraphy as part of any programme or service provided by means of a broadcasting station situate in India as it applies in relation to reports or matters published in a newspaper.