Letters: Free speech rules

This refers to the editorial "Free speech victory" (March 25). While upholding the fundamental right guaranteed in the Constitution, the apex court striking down Section 66(A) of the Information Technology Act reminds us of the rule of law in this country. As divergent views are at the core of democratic principles, the ruling augurs well for free speech. Though Parliament is supreme, the executive should exercise its powers in a judicious manner and arrive at an informed decision before enacting laws that stand the legal scrutiny. Had it not been for the Supreme Court, as it came down heavily on the government while it booked bloggers and writers for posting online what were clearly divergent viewpoints, India would have become a banana republic.

R Prabhu Raj Chennai

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