Question

Article 19 of the Indian Constitution provides freedom of speech, which is the right to express one's opinion freely without any fear.
However, a person who talked of isolating a region of India from the rest of India was detained and arrested by the police.

Do you think the action of the police was justified?

• A. No, It is against the principle of Freedom of speech.
• B. Yes, Freedom of speech comes with some restrictions.
• C. No, Freedom of speech in India is absolute.
• D. No, Freedom of expression is paramount in a democracy.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Yes, Freedom of speech comes with some restrictions.

Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India states that, “All citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression”.
The exercise of this right is, however, subject to “reasonable restrictions” for certain purposes.
So, the action of police is justified because talks of isolating a region from the rest of the country is a threat to integrity and sovereignty of the country.