REPUBLIC v TOMMY THOMPSON BOOKS  LTD and Others (No 1) [1997-98] 1 GLR 611- 644

Constitutional law-Freedom and independence of media-Limitations on-Criminal libel-Article 164 subjecting freedom and independence of media to laws reasonably required for protection of reputations, rights and freedom of others-Criminal libel law under section 112 of Act 29 punishing publisher of intentionally defamatory matter on others­ Objective of section 112 within permissible restrictions on media Whether section 112 inconsistent with Constitution-Constitution, 1992, arts 21(J)(a), 162 and 164-Criminal Code. 1960 (Act 29). s 112.

Constitutional law-Freedom and independence of media-Scope-Article 162(4) granting media immunity from governmental control-Whether immunity exempting media from judicial process-Criminal libel under section 112 of Act 29 seeking to punish unlawful publication of defamatory matter- Whether section 112 violating article 162( 4)-Constitution. 1992, art 162(4) -Act 29. s 112. [pg612]