Question

What do you mean by 'Freedom of speech and expression'? What are its limitations?

Answer 1

Freedom of speech and expression is one of the essential features of democracy. Our ideas and personality develop only when we are able to freely communicate with others. One may think differently from others and express one's views accordingly. One may disagree with a policy of government or activities of an association.

One is free to criticise the government or the activities of the association in one's conversations with parents, friends and relatives. One may publicise one's views through a pamphlet, magazine or newspaper. Limitations: But this freedom is not absolute. There are certain limitations to it:

(i) One cannot use this freedom to instigate violence against others.
(ii) One cannot use it to incite people to rebel against government.
(iii) One cannot use it to defame others by saying false and mean things that cause damage to a person's reputation.