Navigating the Paradoxes of Free Speech
Paranjoy Guha Thakurta · 2025
In contemporary India, the landscape of free speech is fraught with complexities and contradictions, particularly for journalists who serve as the watchdogs of democracy. The Constitution of India enshrines the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a), yet this freedom is often curtailed by vague laws and regulations that allow for “reasonable restrictions” as outlined in Article 19(2). This ambiguity creates a precarious environment where the interpretation of what constitutes reasonable can vary widely, leading to potential misuse by those in power.