Is freedom of speech necessary in a free society?

Is freedom of speech necessary in a free society?

India is the world’s largest democracy and its citizens enjoy a number of fundamental rights as enumerated in the constitution.

One of the most fundamental rights is the “Freedom of Speech”. This right is also one of main human rights and forms a part of main international human rights documents. Free speech enables anyone to express their thoughts or opinions and this may not result in any persecution. However, this has increasingly come under debate as free society has emerged stronger over time.

While some believe that this is the most important right for the citizens, others object to absolute freedom of speech. But, free speech is essential as the government must know and heed to what its citizens feel about the state of the country. One of the fundamental reasons for many autocratic nations breaking down over time is because citizens of those countries did not enjoy the power to voice out their opinions.

May it be Eastern Europe in 1990’s or as recently as 2013 in Egypt, the suppression of free speech has met with disastrous consequences. An important means to voice out opinions is the use of media publications and channels. Since media is considered to be a fourth estate of a country besides the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, an increasing number of people have been using the same for voicing out opinions or even against injustices.

However, some people have started feeling that this freedom of speech has been lately misused for vested interests. May it be defamation, criticizing celebrities or even using invectives against other people, the ‘freedom of speech’ is increasingly coming under a scanner due to the large number of controversies that have come to the fore in the last few years. Comments and opinions by brazen politicians and religious fundamentalists have been some of the primary reasons for the question marks being raised on free speech.

Not choosing words carefully may result in harming an individual person whereas some words can also incite a community or a religion. This can result in riots or fights amongst people, resulting in chaos and damage to property and lives. Hence, checks and balances need to be maintained as a part of freedom of speech. Some clauses have already been incorporated in the constitution but more defined and specific details need to be provided in order to make this right much more effective.

Despite all the doubts and apprehensions, free speech is integral to the society as it not only empowers citizens but also results in governance through consultation and suggestions.

This is extremely critical in maintaining balance and harmony amongst people.