6.8.9.3. Freedom of Speech and Civil Servants

According to the Supreme Court, freedom of speech for civil servants can be curtailed in the interests of discipline even though such a restriction is not mentioned in Article 19 (2). Service rules are essential for discipline within services. The objective here is not to curb the freedom of speech of civil servants but to ensure that they are able to effectively discharge their duties. Hence, there is balance to be maintained between organizational functioning and freedom of

speech. Such restrictions, however, do not apply to an elected representative in an organization as he represents people.