Sansad TV Perspective: Safeguarding Democratic Values

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic: ‘Safeguarding Democratic Values’.

Anchor: Vishal Dahiya

Participants:

1. Mr. K.V. Prasad: Senior Journalist
2. Mr. Sanjay Singh: Senior Journalist
3. Mr. Shekhar Iyer: Senior Journalist

Context: There was an allegation of the microphone being turned off made by parliamentarians at an international forum.

What is the meaning of democratic values? 

• Democratic values refer to those values that reflect a society’s democratic way of life. It includes values like respect, equality, fairness, freedom, etc.
• It calls for upholding equality among the individuals and giving everyone their dues. One of the signature features of the democratic value is ‘Rule of law’.
  • The rule of law means that all laws apply equally to all citizens of the country and no one is above the law. Every citizen of the country has a right to approach the courts in case laws are violated. Similarly, every citizen can also be punished for violating laws.
  • In other words, it advocates the concept that nobody is above the law. 

Freedom of speech and expression: 

• The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. It is enshrined in Article 19(1)(a).
  • This implies that all citizens have the right to express their views and opinions freely. This includes not only word of mouth, but also speech by way of writings, pictures, movies, banners, etc.
  • This right is also exercised by the Members of Parliament as parliamentary privileges. 

Issue with the comment: 

• There was an allegation that the microphones of the opposition members are deliberately switched off so as to muzzle the voice of the opposition and prevent them from raising the issues that are central to the country. 
• Such types of comments dent the democratic credentials of our country and create a perception that democratic values are not respected in the country. 
• Parliament of the country is the highest, most respected and sovereign body, making such an allegation is concomitant to denigrating the institution and throwing it open to questions. 

India and democratic values: 

• India is seen as one of the most robust and functional democracies in the world. 
• We have been successful in upholding the noble values enshrined in the Constitution and provides equality of opportunity to each and every individual.
• There has been a successful transfer of power in India right from the day the Constitution came into existence. We have convened elections successfully and respected the mandate of the people. 

Freedom of speech is cardinal to functioning of the democracy, but such a right should not be used for casting doubt on the democratic credentials of  the country. Making such an allegation would undermine the sanctity of our democratic values.

Read all the previous Sansad TV Perspective articles in the link.

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