When the foundational principles of India are discussed, many take pride in the diverse democratic freedoms on which the nation is based. O...
When the foundational principles of India are discussed, many take pride in the diverse democratic freedoms on which the nation is based. Of course, few countries in the world can claim with certainty that its people are absolutely free – free to deliver speeches, take action, form associations, hold opinions, practice and disseminate them, among so much else. These foundational values have often involved a two-way flow between the pillars of the state and its citizens. In the balance are the questions of rights versus responsibilities, freedoms versus boundaries, honour versus contempt. Today, rather frequently, there is the question of the law versus citizens.
The freedoms promised by the Constitution come with restrictions – reasonably so. This is, after all, essential for efficient governance. However, it is the ambiguity of these restrictions that causes a peculiar dilemma. What differentiates a critique of the judiciary’s decisions from humiliating a foundational pillar? What constitutes an insult and not just a mere opinion? What makes disagreeing with the actions of the court an act of contempt towards it?
The past few months have witnessed several events that have prompted these questions to be debated afresh. Prominent figures such as lawyer Prashant Bhushan, actor Swara Bhaskar and now...
