Freedom of Speech and Expression

"Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression" is a fundamental right of the citizens of India. This is mentioned in Part III of the Constitution of India - Article 19(1).

This Article is so wide in scope that Freedom of the Press is included in Freedom of Speech and Expression. It includes the right of free propagation and free circulation without any previous restraint on publication. The freedom of speech and expression does not give right to every possible use of language. It would lead to disorder and anarchy.

The Article 19(2) of the Constitution imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub­ clause in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India. The security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency of morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offense. Whenever, emergency is declared in a country, these rights remain suspended. All our governments have preferred press freedom to be linked with social and fundamental responsibilities and the obligation to report objectively.

Taking into consideration the constraints of the Indian model of democracy and socialism and the objectives laid in the Preamble of the Constitution or its Directive Principles of the State Policy, the second Press Commission has advocated that the press should be neither an adversary nor an ally of the Government, but a constructive critic.

The press is a great social asset, for it has to serve the entire community of varying minds with its raw material for though, as also to act as a watch-dog by exercising its role to warn and curb forces of repression, corruption and divisiveness.

Sorce: Internet