India takes 24th spot in Free Speech Survey

Context

A new global survey by the Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of the 33 countries surveyed on the question of support for free speech.

Scandinavia dominated the top rankings, with Norway and Denmark finishing at the apex of the Future of the Free Speech Index with scores of 87.9 and 87.0.

Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the biggest improvements, though they remained at the lower end of the ranking.

India, with a score of 62.6, was placed 24th, between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).

At the same time, some authoritarian-leaning nations — such as Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) — scored high, “suggesting a disconnect between government restrictions and public attitudes”.

Article 19

Article 19 of Indian Constitution guarantees certain freedoms to all citizens of India. It encompasses six fundamental rights:

1Right to freedom of speech and expression,

2Right to assemble peacefully and without arms,

3Right to form associations, unions, or co-operative societies,

4Right to move freely throughout the territory of India,

5Right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India,

6Right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business.

Note: Originally, Article 19 of Indian Constitution contained seven rights. However, the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property was deleted by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978

Restrictions under Article 19 (2)

Article 19 (2) of Indian Constitution empowers the State to instil reasonable restrictions on the following grounds:

1Security of the State

2Friendly Relation with Foreign States

3Public Order

4Decency and morality

5Contempt of court

6Defamation

7Incitement to offence

8Integrity and sovereignty of India