Freedom of expression should be removed as a constitutional right in India

Freedom of expression has never existed independently; it exists with the right to freedom of

speech in the constitution of India. However, speech is not the only way through which one

expresses themselves. When this right was added to the constitution, people expressed

themselves through news articles, journals and poetry. Now, we express ourselves through

social media, art forms, as well as our behaviours. The way we act expresses who we are. In

the following essay, I would like to present two main points as to why the right to freedom of

expression should be removed or not. I would like to put forward how freedom of expression

helps in glorifying detrimental ideas and how this right is important to support the idea of

individualism.

The first point I would like to put forward is to how the right to express yourself leads to the

glorification of detrimental ideas. By detrimental ideas, I do not particularly aim at anti-

national ideas or ideas that effect an individual. I aim at ideas which can destroy

communities. Our nation has come across ideas which were started by a certain individual

with a certain interest. It was presented in an unfiltered manner without thinking about the

consequences it could bring. Gradually, the idea was believed in and followed by many, the

major portion of it being the younger generations and the illiterates. Such ideas can be

presented very easily because of the right to freedom of expression even if they are

misleading.

To back up my point, I would like to put forward the case of the Babri Masjid. The idea of

demolishing the Babri Masjid is not one which existed naturally. It was proposed by a few

anti-Islam individuals that Lord Rama, a Hindu deity, was born under the central dome of the

masjid. This idea was spread through the means of local newspapers, word of mouth and the

sentiment of religious unity. However, as the freedom of expression mediated its spread, we
missed the fact that the motive was not to promote Hinduism, but to demolish Islam from

Ayodhya. As stated by the supreme court of India, "What was demolished was not merely an

ancient structure, but the faith of the minorities in the sense of justice and fair play of

majorities to restore their faith in the rule of law and constitutional process" (Sebastian 43).

The above-mentioned statement shows the way the freedom of expression has been

manipulated to benefit a certain group regardless of how it affects the entire community.

On the other side of it, the right to freedom of expression promotes the idea of individualism

which is essential for a developing nation. The idea of individualism favours freedom of

action for individuals over collective thought and mob mentality. It believes in the idea of

individual thought, purpose and action. For a nation which has been a colony for almost two

centuries, the presence of freedom of expression is essential to promote independent thought

and action. It is only through venturing beyond boundaries, that one discovers efficient ways

and beneficial ideas which every growing nation requires.

To share an example, I would like to present historical facts about how individualism is born

with the eradication of slavery. The concept of slavery and colonisation has moved from the

Babylonians, to the Hebrew culture, to the Egyptians, to the Greek empire and to the British

era. As commented about the Greek culture, “There you find individualism brought to a

higher stage of development, you find individualistic energies capable of a higher evolution,

and consequently Greek civilization was brought to a higher state of perfection than the

civilization of Assyria, Babylonian, etc.” (Donisthrope 5). The author highlights the reason

why the Greek culture flourished more than the others- because it placed emphasis on

individualism.

While everyone would present their own opinions on this issue, there should exist

suggestions that take a middle ground in this debate. To ensure that freedom of expression is
not used to glorify negative ideas and does not limit individualism, we must enforce the laws

that forbid the use of freedom of expression to defame, hurt and shame an idea or group.

These laws have been in existence; however, their implementation will lead to a balanced

situation.

In a country like ours, implementation of any law takes time. However, I would still like to

agree that the right to freedom of expression and speech is essential and should not be taken

away from India and its citizens. The concept of individualistic thought and action is key for

leading innovation and growth. We must imagine our society without the freedom of

expression to understand how vital and central it is to our nation’s growth.