Freedom Of Speech

With calls for retribution over Kirk, some see rise of 'woke right' in US

Conservatives have pressed for consequences for those who make negative comments about Charlie Kirk. But a few on the right say they worry about limits on speech

PM Modi's Independence Day speech: Deep tech, nuclear energy, and more

The PM's address focused on several areas, including artificial intelligence and deep tech, energy independence, nuclear power, and national security

Fashion to misuse social media in garb of freedom of speech: Allahabad HC

Rejecting the bail plea of a person accused of posting objectionable content on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian armed forces, the Allahabad High Court has observed that it has become a "fashion among certain groups of people" to misuse social media in the garb of freedom of speech. Rejecting the bail application of one Ashraf Khan on Wednesday, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal observed that the freedom of speech guaranteed under the Constitution does not extend to such acts which disrespect high dignitaries and create disharmony among citizens. The court said it has become a "fashion among certain groups of people" to misuse social media in the garb of freedom of speech and expression by making unfounded allegations against high dignitaries, posting such material which creates disharmony and hatred among the people. The accused, Ashraf Khan alias Nisrat, was booked under sections 152 (acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India)

Complainant against influencer Sharmistha Panoli arrested in Kolkata

Wajahat Khan, who filed the complaint against Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested in Kolkata after allegedly absconding since 1 June following counter-allegations against him

Arrested development: Freedom of speech must be protected, not punished

A police case filed by the Haryana Women's Commission chairperson includes public mischief. Even a cursory reading of Prof Mahmudabad's Facebook posts suggests that these charges have little basis

The comic red line: What defines boundaries of comedians' free expression?

Jesters of the past enjoyed immunity. Today's comedians navigate power, backlash, and blurred lines

Priyank Kharge backs Kamra, says free speech is foundation of democracy

Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, voiced his support for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra.Kharge on social media platform X, condemned attempts to suppress dissent and reiterated the significance of free speech in a democratic society.In his post, Kharge wrote, "No matter how many attempts are made to suppress dissent, the very foundation of our democracy is built on the right to speak, question, and challenge those in power. True patriotism isn't about blind obedience; it's about holding the government accountable."Kharge emphasized the importance of resistance in a democracy, stating that while authority may try to suppress it, the spirit of democracy ensures that these voices only grow louder."While authority may try to stifle the sound of resistance, the spirit of democracy ensures that every suppressed voice echoes louder than before," he added.He also highlighted the role of the Constitution in protecting ...

Kunal Kamra refuses to apologise for Shinde remark: 'I don't fear this mob'

I don't fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down, said Kunal Kamra on his Eknath Shinde remark

Delhi HC orders YouTuber to remove 'defamatory' video against Sadhguru

Shyam Meera Singh uploaded the video, titled "Sadhguru EXPOSED: What's happening in Jaggi Vasudev's Ashram", on February 24 and shared it on his 'X' page

Media must exercise utmost caution before publishing anything: SC

The Supreme Court has said persons working in key positions in the media must exercise utmost caution and responsibility before publishing any statements, news, or opinions and observed the right to freedom of speech and expression was paramount. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan reiterated that the power of the media in shaping public opinion was significant and the press possessed the ability to influence public sentiments and alter perceptions, with remarkable speed. The bench's observation came when it quashed a defamation case against English daily Times of India's editorial director and other journalists, who were accused of publishing alleged defamatory contents over the authenticity of certain paintings to be auctioned by Bid & Hammer - Fine Art Auctioneers. "We find it necessary to emphasise that right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India is paramount. At the same time, it is reiterated that ...

Ranveer Allahbadia case highlights: SC grants interim protection to Allahbadia from arrest

India's Got Latent hearing highlights: Ranveer Allahbadia has filed a petition seeking the clubbing of multiple FIRs against him for his remarks on Samay Raina's show, India's Got Latent

I was nearly sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan: Mark Zuckerberg

On the Joe Rogan Podcast, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg spoke on stricter content controls and the growing regulatory pressures on technology firms worldwide

No restriction on freedom of expression in Manipur: Writer Haobam Satyabati

Manipuri writer Haobam Satyabati Devi has said that there is no restriction on freedom of expression except in some parts of the state due to the Meitei-Kuki conflict. The author, who was recently selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award for her work "Mynu Bora Nungshi Shirol", said that the state is facing "a challenging time" with the ongoing conflict between the two communities. "This is a very unfortunate and challenging time for the local people and especially the writers, the internet is banned every now and then. People are forced to stay locked in their homes. We cannot go to other areas except the valley," Haobam told PTI Bhasha in a phone interaction. She added that even though "the movement of the intellectuals has been limited", largely there is no restriction on freedom of expression. "There is no restriction on freedom of expression except in the areas affected by the conflict. Yes, it is true that the movement of the intellectuals has been limited. There is no restrict

Delhi HC rejects plea against Navjot Sidhu on wife's cancer cure claim

Observing there still was freedom of speech in the country, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a plea against Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's claims that certain remedies helped his wife in her battle against stage 4 cancer. A bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said the former cricketer had only voiced his opinion and the petitioner was also free to counter the claims. "He is just voicing his opinion. Counter his claims by holding a press conference. Counter free speech by free speech and not by curtailing his free speech under the fear of legal action or contempt. We still have freedom of speech in this country," the bench said. The bench went on to underline, "You can't say freedom of speech be curtailed. You counter his claim. This is not our domain. If you don't agree with this gentleman's views, don't listen to him. There are a lot of books which you may feel are bad, don't read them. Who is asking you to read them? Free speec

Arrest of Telegram's head not a political decision: France President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that the arrest in France of the CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, wasn't a political move but part of an independent investigation. In France's first public comment on the arrest, Macron posted on the social media platform X that his country is deeply committed to freedom of expression but freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights. He said the arrest is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter. French media reported that Durov was detained at a Paris airport on Saturday on an arrest warrant alleging his platform has been used for money laundering, drug trafficking and other offenses.

Here's how Musk uses his 'free speech' platform to amplify views worldwide

As X's owner and most followed user, Elon Musk has increasingly used the social media platform as a microphone to amplify his political views and, lately, those of right-wing figures he's aligned with. There are few modern parallels to his antics, but then again there are few modern parallels to Elon Musk himself. Of course, none of this should come as a surprise. Back in 2022 when he was trying to buy Twitter, Musk said he was doing so because it wasn't living up to its potential as a platform for free speech." Protecting free speech not money was his motivation because, as he put it, having a public platform that is maximally trusted and broadly inclusive is extremely important to the future of civilization. Musk often ruminates on the future of civilization. For one, he appears fixated on a coming population collapse, threatening to wipe out humanity. And he joined prominent scientists and tech leaders last year in warning the world about artificial intelligence doing the same.

Centre responsible for defending Manipur, must act against forces: MP

The government of India is responsible for defending Manipur and must take stern action against communal and divisive forces that have wreaked havoc in the state, Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam said on Wednesday. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Congress MP said divisive elements as well as foreign powers and illegal immigrants were disrupting peace efforts in the state that has been facing crisis for 14 months. ... peace efforts have been made and there was an agreement achieved by two communities in the district of Jiribam, mediated by the security forces. Unfortunately, they were subverted by communal, divisive and sectarian forces, Akoijam said. He said the government of India has a historical, political, moral and legal responsibility to defend Manipur as an entity that existed before the commencement of this Constitution as stated in schedule one of the Constitution. In the instrument of accession signed by the then maharaja of the state on ..

Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 'threat to freedom of speech': Cong

The Congress on Friday alleged that the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill was a direct threat to freedom of speech and the independent media and claimed that it would pave the way for "excessive surveillance" online. The Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera urged people to raise their voice against what he termed as "government's tyranny". While several people on social media have also been voicing their concern about certain reported provisions in the proposed law, the government has said the bill was still in the drafting stage and the stakeholders' consultation was underway. "The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill is a direct threat to our freedom of speech and independent media," Khera alleged. "Here's why we all must raise our voice against the government's tyranny: Increased government control over content creators, from social media influencers to independent news outlets, threatens the independence of the press and restricts free speech," the

Kerala HC upholds employee's right to freedom of speech on WhatsApp

An employee challenged his suspension and disciplinary punishment for sharing safety concerns in a private WhatsApp group

Pre-trial injunction on article publication may hit freedom of speech: SC

It emphasised that courts must be cautious in passing injunction orders to restrain the publication of articles, particularly when it is yet to be proved whether the content of such articles is false