6.8.3 Freedom of Speech and Expression

Under this article, every citizen has the right to express his views, opinions, belief and convictions freely by word of mouth, writing, printing, picturing or in any other manner. The Supreme Court held that the freedom of speech and expression includes the following:

♤ Right to propagate one’s views as well as views of others.

♤ Freedom of the press.

♤ Freedom of commercial advertisements.

♤ Right against tapping of telephonic conversation.

♤ Right to telecast, that is, government has no monopoly on electronic media.

♤ Right against bundh called by a political party or organisation.

♤ Right to know about government activities.

♤ Freedom of silence.

♤ Right against imposition of pre-censorship on a newspaper

♤ Right to demonstration or picketing but not right to strike

The State can impose reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the freedom of speech and expression on the grounds of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offence.