Democracy, famously defined as "by the people, of the people, for the people," inherently places the people as its most critical element. Every democratic constitution explicitly delineates the powers and functions of its three branches of government: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. Therefore, the four foundational pillars of any democracy are:
People: As the ultimate sovereign, the
people form the bedrock of democracy. They exercise their power through
participation, elections, and by holding their representatives accountable.
Their informed consent and active engagement are paramount.
Legislature: This body is responsible for
creating laws, representing the will of the people, and providing oversight of
the executive branch. It is a constitutionally mandated institution with
defined powers and procedures.
Executive: Tasked with implementing and
enforcing laws, this branch typically includes the head of state or government
and their administration. Its powers and limitations are clearly delineated
within the constitutional framework.
Judiciary: This independent system interprets
laws, administers justice, and ensures that the actions of the other two
branches adhere to constitutional principles. It acts as a crucial check on
governmental power and safeguards individual rights.
These four pillars are the structural bedrock upon which a stable and
functional democracy stands. Each is designed to provide essential checks and
balances on the others, preventing the concentration of power and safeguarding
individual liberties.
The Media: was An Essential Watchdog, Not a Constitutional Pillar
The assertion that media is the "fourth pillar of democracy"
is a pervasive misconception, often repeated without foundational support in
constitutional frameworks worldwide. While the media's importance to a healthy
democratic society is undeniable, its function differs fundamentally from the
core, constitutionally enshrined pillars.
The media primarily acts as a conduit for information, delivering news,
analysis, and diverse perspectives to the populace. Its vital functions
include:
Scrutinizing government actions: By investigating policies, decisions,
and potential misconduct, the media holds those in power accountable to the
public.
Facilitating open discourse: It provides platforms for public
debate, allowing various viewpoints to be heard and fostering informed
discussion on critical issues.
Exposing corruption and abuses of power: An independent press is
instrumental in uncovering wrongdoing, ensuring transparency, and prompting
corrective action.
Providing citizens with information: From election coverage to
policy analysis, the media equips the electorate with the knowledge needed to
participate effectively in democratic processes.
However, the media has not always fulfilled these crucial tasks. We have
witnessed instances where media figures have seemed to dictate political
appointments from their studios and editorial rooms. The media has also, at
times, acted as an opposition force while seemingly overlooking the misdeeds of
the actual opposition.
This essential function, however, is distinct from the constitutional
role of the foundational pillars. Labeling the media as the "fourth
pillar" incorrectly elevates it to the same constitutional status as the
legislature, executive, and judiciary. Unlike these three, the media is not a
constitutionally mandated body with defined governmental powers and
responsibilities within the state's structure. Its influence stems from its
ability to inform and shape public opinion, not from an inherent governmental authority
or a formal place in the system of checks and balances. The media's power lies
precisely in its independence and its capacity to inform, challenge, and hold
power accountable from outside the formal structures of the state, rather than
being an intrinsic part of the state apparatus itself. Its value is in its
critical distance, not its integration into the governmental framework.
The Evolving Landscape of Public Information. The influence of legacy
media, which for too long occupied a dominant position without consistent
objectivity, credibility, or honesty, has waned significantly. A stark example
of this decline in India dates back to the Emergency of 1975. When Indira Gandhi
"asked it to bend," the media, by many accounts, "crawled."
This was in stark contrast to the people of the country, who largely
"stood tall and firm" against the brutality unleashed during that
period.
Today, the role of informing the public no longer solely rests with
traditional outlets, largely due to the rise of social media. Social platforms
facilitate direct interaction between citizens and their elected
representatives, often bypassing the traditional media filter. For instance,
proposed legislation is now frequently presented to the public for suggestions
even before it's introduced in Parliament, fostering more direct engagement.
This direct engagement also means the public isn't driven by the "TRP
races" that often plague legacy media.
There's a strong argument that legacy media can be inherently
susceptible to corruption. The power wielded by editors in deciding what is
broadcast or suppressed creates opportunities for monetization. In this
environment, it's often more lucrative to suppress certain news items than to
broadcast them, further eroding public trust.
This is a prime example how media colludes with political personalities to fix interviews.
