Mains Answer Writing - 8 Feb, 2026
GS2
Indian Polity
15 marks
Examine the constitutional tension between the Right to be Forgotten and the freedom of the press in India. How should courts balance individual dignity with the public’s right to know in the digital age?
Tips for your answer
- Frame it as a constitutional balance, not a binary conflict: Start by anchoring RTBF under Article 21 (privacy, dignity) and press freedom under Article 19(1)(a), and clearly state that neither right is absolute—courts act as balancing institutions.
- Use a clear balancing test with examples: Mention factors like public interest, accuracy of reporting, time elapsed, nature of the offence, and public role of the individual, citing cases like Puttaswamy and recent RTBF disputes.
- Conclude with a principled solution, not a winner: Suggest case-by-case adjudication, preference for de-indexing over deletion, and the need for a statutory framework to prevent chilling effects on the press.
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GS3
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