Freedom of Speech and Expression

FREEDOM OF SPEECH & EXPRESSION: 1) Freedom of the Press in India a) is specifically provided in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India b) is implied the wider freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution c) is guaranteed under the provisions of Article 361(A) of the constitution d) Emanates from the operation of the Rule of Law in the country (1994 Civils Prelim GS) Ans: (b) Explanation: Is implied the wider freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution. Expression: Freedom of Press is included in wider freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) . No specific article 

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Model Questions for CSAT 2012(GS): Read the passage and answer the questions: In this transition period, the role of ideas, and therefore of the media, becomes extremely important. At a particular historical juncture, ideas become a material force. For instance, the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity, and of religious freedom (secularism) became powerful material forces during the Age of Enlightenment in Europe, and particularly during the American and French Revolutions. In the age of transition in Europe, the media (which were only the print media at that time) played a great, historical role in the transformation of feudal Europe to modern Europe. In the opinion of an eminent jurist, the Indian media too should play a progressive role similar to the one played by the European media [during that age of transition]. This it can do by attacking backward and feudal ideas and practices like casteism, communalism, superstitions, women's oppression, etc. and propagating modern, rational and scientific ideas, secularism, and tolerance. At one time, a section of our media played a great role in our country. Question No. 1 Statement 1: In the age of transition in Europe, the medial played a great , historical role Statement 2: Indian media too should play a progressive role because presently India is in transition phase. Answer: a) Statement 1 only correct b) Statement 2 only correct c) Statement 1 and 2 are correct d) Neither of the statement is correct Ans: c Read the passage and answer the question: None of the reasons given by the Tamil Nadu government for imposing a ban on the film Dam 999 holds water. The right to freedom of speech and expression, as enshrined in the Constitution and upheld time and again by the Supreme Court of India, is too dear to be sacrificed at the altar of political contingency. Everything stated about the film could be true, yet nothing would justify the ban on a film cleared by the Censor Board. Admittedly, the title of the film alludes to the Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala, which was built in 1895 on land given to Madras State on a 999-year lease. The climax depicts the bursting of a weak dam, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of people. Freedom of expression (through a cinema medium) cannot be suppressed on account of [the] threat of demonstration and processions or threats of violence.” Bans cannot be allowed to become a substitute for responsible policing. This is settled law, which will no doubt be reaffirmed when the matter is taken to court. Question No. 2: Statement : 1 : All types of bans cannot be allowed to become a substitute for responsible policing. Statement : 2 : The right of freedom of speech and expression is too dear to be sacrificed at the altar of political contingency. Ans: a) Statement 1 only correct b) Statement 2 only correct c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct d) None of the above Ans: b