Question

The right to Freedom of Speech in India may be restricted, if the freedom is used to ___________________.

• A. Incite people to violence
• B. Propagate nationalisation of the private sector
• C. Level charges of corruption against those in power
• D. Spread superstition

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Incite people to violence

It is necessary to maintain and preserve freedom of speech and expression in a democracy, so also it is necessary to place some restrictions on this freedom for the maintenance of social order because no freedom can be absolute or completely unrestricted. Accordingly, under Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India, the State may make a law imposing “reasonable restrictions” on the exercise of the right to freedom of speech and expression “in the interest of” the public on the following grounds: Clause (2) of Article 19 of the Indian constitution contains the grounds on which restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression can be imposed. To maintain the sovereignty and integrity of a state is the prime duty of government. Taking into it into account, freedom of speech and expression can be restricted so as not to permit anyone to challenge sovereignty or to permit anyone to preach something which will result in threat to integrity of the country. freedom of speech and expression cannot confer a right to incite people to commit offense. The word ‘offense’ is defined as any act or omission made punishable by law for the time being in force. Hence, Option A is correct. The rest of the clauses are in the favour of national interest, and not related to freedom of speech, hence, incorrect.