One of the essential freedoms accorded to Indian citizens is the right to free speech. It enables the people of our nation to freely express their thoughts and opinions. It enables both the general public and the media to offer commentary on any political activity and even express outrage at those they deem unsuitable.
Similar to India, many other nations grant their inhabitants the freedom of speech and expression, however with some restrictions. The limitations placed on the right to free speech differ from nation to nation. Many nations do not recognise this fundamental human right. In these nations, both the general population and the media refrain from criticising the actions taken by the government. In these nations, criticising the government, political parties, or ministries is a crime.
While the right to free speech is crucial for the development of society as a whole, it may also have some unfavourable effects. It must not be used to defame or provoke others. The media must exercise responsibility and refrain from abusing their right to free speech.
I feel fortunate to have been born in India, a nation that respects its residents and grants them all the rights necessary for their development.
The beginning of speech freedom
The idea of free speech has been around for a while. Freedom of expression was proclaimed a constitutional right in England’s Bill of Rights in 1689, and it is still in force today. The Declaration of Human and Citizen Rights was adopted during the French Revolution in 1789. This strengthened the idea that the right to free speech is unquestionable. According to Article 11 of the Declaration of Freedom of Speech and Expression:
"One of the most prized human rights is the right to the free exchange of ideas and opinions. Accordingly, every citizen is free to talk, write, and print, but they must also take legal responsibility for any abuses of their rights.
Everyone should have the right to express their thoughts and opinions freely, according to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The right to freedom of speech and expression is now included in national and international human rights law.
Speech Freedom in India
Every citizen in India has the right to free speech under the country's constitution, however, there are several limitations. This implies that people have the right to freely express their opinions regarding both other people and the government, political system, laws, and bureaucracy. However, speech restrictions may be imposed for moral, security, or provocative reasons. The following rights are guaranteed to the Indian people by the Right to Freedom in the Constitution:
Freedom to talk and freely express one’s thoughts and opinions
Freedom to assemble peacefully without the use of weapons or explosives
Freedom to form associations, unions, and groups
Freedom of movement throughout the entire country
Freedom to relocate anywhere in the nation
Freedom to engage in any occupation
Freedom to engage in any type of company or trade, as long as it’s legal.
India is renowned for being a democratic nation. The locals have the right to information and are free to express their opinions on anything, even government actions. The media are empowered by freedom of speech to report on all that is happening both domestically and internationally. This increases public awareness and keeps them informed on the most recent global events.
Downsides of Speech Freedom
There are several drawbacks associated with freedom of speech, even though it enables someone to express their opinions and work to improve their community and fellow people. Many individuals abuse this freedom. They impose their opinions on others in addition to simply expressing them. They encourage individuals and groups to engage in illegal activity. The media are free to voice their thoughts and opinions. They occasionally spread information that causes panic among the general people.
In the past, some news, such that about the actions of various community groupings, has even sparked riots amongst the various communities. Society’s peace and harmony are disturbed by this. The Internet has increased people’s ability to express themselves freely. It has advanced much more with the introduction of social media platforms. Nowadays, people are eager to share their opinions on everything and everything, regardless of their knowledge of the subject. They post harsh remarks without considering how they can offend someone or invade their privacy. This is undoubtedly a misuse of that freedom, and it ought to stop.
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