The colonial rulers' attitude towards the press in India was indeed a constant tug-of-war between the principles of freedom and control, deeply influencing their evolving policies. On one hand, the British, steeped in liberal traditions at home, nominally acknowledged the press as a pillar of public opinion and a medium for disseminating information. On the other, as an imperial power, they fundamentally prioritized maintaining control, suppressing dissent, and safeguarding their rule from any perceived threats, especially from a burgeoning nationalist press.

This inherent contradiction led to a fluctuating policy. Early governors-general like Lord Wellesley imposed strict censorship (1799) driven by fears of French invasion and disloyalty. However, a more liberal phase followed, most notably under Lord Metcalfe, who earned the title "Liberator of the Indian Press" (1835) by repealing restrictive ordinances. This reflected an idealist belief that a free press would aid good governance by highlighting grievances.

However, the Mutiny of 1857 fundamentally shifted this perception. The Indian press, particularly vernacular newspapers, was seen as instrumental in fanning sedition. This led to a more draconian approach, culminating in the infamous Vernacular Press Act of 1878 under Lord Lytton, which allowed the government to confiscate the printing presses of vernacular papers that published "seditious" material, effectively silencing critical voices. This clearly prioritized control over any notion of freedom, driven by a deep-seated fear of nationalism.

Subsequent legislation, like the Press Act of 1910, continued this trend, granting wide powers to demand security deposits from printers and publishers. While periods of relative relaxation occurred, particularly when the political climate seemed stable or under more liberal Viceroys, the overarching colonial attitude remained one of suspicion and readiness to clamp down. The press was viewed primarily as a potential weapon in the hands of nationalists, and its freedom was tolerated only so long as it did not challenge British authority. Thus, the colonial administration never truly embraced press freedom but rather managed and manipulated it as a strategic tool in maintaining their imperial grip.