{"id":26799,"date":"2024-02-12T10:56:20","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T10:56:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=26799"},"modified":"2024-02-12T10:56:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-12T10:56:22","slug":"what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms\/","title":{"rendered":"What do you understand by the concept \u201cfreedom of speech and expression\u201d? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (12.5 marks, 200 words)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-gs-advance-and-mentorship-program-ampcsat?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Advanced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The concept of &#8220;freedom of speech and expression&#8221; embodies the fundamental right of individuals to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without fear of censorship or restraint by the government or other authorities. It encompasses the liberty to express oneself through various mediums, such as speech, writing, art, and symbolic actions. This fundamental right is essential for the functioning of a democratic society, as it enables the exchange of diverse viewpoints, fosters intellectual growth, and promotes social progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag<\/strong>: Indian Constitution\u2014historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0b376c2a031\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0b376c2a031\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms\/#Decoding_the_Question\" title=\"Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms\/#Answer\" title=\"Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms\/#The_Concept_of_Freedom_of_Speech_and_Expression\" title=\"The Concept of Freedom of Speech and Expression:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">The Concept of Freedom of Speech and Expression:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms\/#Hate_speech_has_not_been_defined_in_any_law_in_India_The_following_legislations_have_a_bearing_on_hate_speech\" title=\"Hate speech has not been defined in any law in India. The following legislations have a bearing on hate speech:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Hate speech has not been defined in any law in India. The following legislations have a bearing on hate speech:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-by-the-concept-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-does-it-cover-hate-speech-also-why-do-the-films-in-india-stand-on-a-slightly-different-plane-from-other-forms\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decoding_the_Question\"><\/span><strong>Decoding the Question:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>In the Introduction, try to define freedom of expression and how this is guaranteed in Indian Constitution.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>In Body,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Write the concept of Freedom of speech and expression and mention hate speech.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Discuss how the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>In Conclusion, try to write about the overall importance of Freedom of speech and expression.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer\"><\/span><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Freedom of speech and expression is the right to express one\u2019s own opinion and to communicate ideas, thoughts, and emotions without fear of censorship or retaliation. The right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed to all citizens of India by the Constitution of India under <strong>Article 19(1)(a). <\/strong>This right is given to citizens of India so that they can freely express their opinion, views, beliefs, and thoughts without fear of government or any other form of censorship.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Concept_of_Freedom_of_Speech_and_Expression\"><\/span><strong>The Concept of Freedom of Speech and Expression:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Right to propagate one&#8217;s own view and views of others.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Freedom of the press.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Freedom of commercial advertisements.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right against tapping of telephonic conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right to telecast (the government has no monopoly on electronic media).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right against bandh called by a political party or organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right to know about government activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Freedom of silence.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right against the imposition of pre-censorship on a newspaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right to demonstration or picketing but no right to strike.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article 19 (2) in the Indian constitution<\/strong> gives us the freedom of speech and expression with some reasonable restrictions under as follows<strong>: It should not affect the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offense.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hate speech:&nbsp;<\/strong> It generally refers to words whose intent is to create hatred\u202ftowards a particular group; that group may be a religion, community, or race. This speech may or may not have meaning but is\u202flikely to result in violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>267th\u202fReport\u202fof the\u202fLaw Commission of India,<\/strong> defined hate speech as\u202fan incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons\u202fdefined in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious belief and the like.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hate_speech_has_not_been_defined_in_any_law_in_India_The_following_legislations_have_a_bearing_on_hate_speech\"><\/span><strong>Hate speech has not been defined in any law in India<\/strong>. <strong>The following legislations have a bearing on hate speech:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>The Indian Penal Code, 1860<\/strong>: Hate speech provisions are found in three different chapters of the IPC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Section 295A, IPC was enacted to specifically target speech<\/strong> that intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious belief.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>The Representation of The People Act, 1951: <\/strong>Disqualifies a person from contesting election if he is convicted for indulging in acts amounting to the illegitimate use of freedom of speech and expression.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955<\/strong>: Penalizes incitement to and encouragement of untouchability through words, either spoken or written or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;The films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp; Films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression because they have the potential to influence a large number of people. Because of this, the Government of India has imposed certain restrictions on the content of films to ensure that they do not promote violence, hatred, or any other illegal activities. Additionally, films are also subject to <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Censorship_in_India#:~:text=Although%20the%20Constitution%20of%20India,communal%20tension%20in%20the%20nation.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">censorship<\/a> to ensure that they adhere to the standards of morality and decency. <strong>Generally, films are banned for six reasons:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Movies which supposedly <strong>depict the country in a bad light.<\/strong> BBC\u2019s documentary\u202f<strong>India\u2019s Daughter\u202f(2015<\/strong>), which contains interviews with the alleged rapists of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim, was banned in India because it records certain views of the rapists, which show the country in a poor light.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Movies that portray the <strong>life of Indian political leaders<\/strong>, but in an unfavorable manner, such as\u202f<strong>Aandhi\u202f(1975) and\u202fKissa Kursi Ka\u202f(1977).<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Movies like <strong>Parzania <\/strong>that <strong>depict communal violence<\/strong> are likely to be banned. Such movies are deemed to arouse the passion of the people that <strong>can lead to problems of public order.<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Movies which <strong>\u2018hurt\u2019 the religious sentiments of the people<\/strong> such as\u202f<strong>The Da Vinci Code\u202f(2006),<\/strong> which was banned in five States in India as it \u2018hurt\u2019 the sentiments of the Christian community.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Movies are censored on the ground of obscenity. Mira Nair\u2019s\u202f<strong>Kama Sutra:\u202fA Tale of Love\u202f(1996)<\/strong> dealt with a story of four lovers in 16th century India. <strong>The Censor Board found the movie \u201ctoo explicit\u201d, \u201cunethical\u201d and \u201cimmoral\u201d.&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Films which deal with <strong>tabooed subjects like lesbianism, and transsexuality,<\/strong> i.e.,\u202f<strong>Fire\u202f(1996)<\/strong> and\u202f<strong>Gulabi Aaina<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The freedom of speech and expression, is an important fundamental right, scope of which has been widened to include freedom of press, right to information including commercial information, right to silence, and right to criticize. However, subjective to reasonable restrictions on the ground of public order or obscenity, at times, might be justified. But <strong>extra-constitutional bans restrict the free flow of thoughts, imagination, and creativity<\/strong>. Such bans are thus against the constitutional philosophy, against the rule of law, against democracy, and against our national interest.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The concept of &#8220;freedom of speech and expression&#8221; embodies the fundamental right of individuals to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without fear of censorship or restraint by the government or other authorities. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":26800,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1500],"tags":[1871,176,142,232,145,140],"class_list":["post-26799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-mains-solved-paper-gs-2","tag-freedom-of-speech-and-expression","tag-general-studies-2","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26799","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26799"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26799\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26801,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26799\/revisions\/26801"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26799"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26799"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26799"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}