Freedom of the press constitutes the cornerstone of a democratic society, serving as a safeguard for Accountability , transparency and public participation. Journalists,often confront multifaceted challenges including Death threats, censorship, intimidation, defamation proceedings, digital surveillance and gender-based harassment. In India, while constitutional guarantees under Article 19(1)(a) of right to freedom of speech and expression, practical limitations and misuse of legal provisions frequently undermine this freedom. This research paper examines the vulnerabilities faced by journalists and analysing constitutional provisions, statutory laws, judicial precedents and state-level legislations. It also explores international standards under the ICCPR, UN resolutions and International Humanitarian Law, highlighting India’s obligations to protect media freedom. Through a doctrinal and comparative methodology, the study identifies systemic gaps in legal protections and proposes the need for comprehensive, national-level safeguards for journalists. By situating press freedom within the broader democratic and human rights discourse, the paper underscores the urgency of ensuring a secure environment where journalists can function without fear or undue restriction.