Wake up India: Its time to Move one Step Ahead for Freedom of Speech to Raise Your Voice
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake – Rabindranath Tagore
By Deepak Singh
New Delhi: India is always the land of diversity, cultures and social beliefs. But yet its’ always nature with emotions of love, brotherhood and touch of humanity. But these values are washing away with dust of materialism and political immaturity in present scenario.
India is the world’s largest democracy and the Constitution of India grants free speech, equality and opportunity for all. But before we realize the present scenario of India it’s important that you know the full facts about the Freedom of Speech guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
Article 19 in the Constitution of India 1949: As mentioned below:
- Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech etc
(1) All citizens shall have the right
(a) to freedom of speech and expression;
(b) to assemble peaceably and without arms;
(c) to form associations or unions;
(d) to move freely throughout the territory of India;
(e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and
(f) Omitted
(g) to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business
According to these rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Yes, every Indian have right to freedom of speech, form associations and protest peacefully etc.
Now, if we talk about the present scenario. Its’ not so, let’s have a look what India has become in 2016.
- If you don’t buy Patanjali products, there are people who may suspect your identity and patriotism. Did buying or not buying of any product can prove patriotism? We don’t think so, Have you?
- If you ask the government is not following what they have promised in manifesto at the time of election. You may be called opposition or foreign agent or simply they reply that that was election ‘Beta’. Promises made in elections are just the political game. It is also possible that you will be simply ignored.
- If you ask the government about the human rights violation. Then, they may called you anti-national or simply they can reply that its’ just a result of corruption. They can also reply you come in politics and made every thing correct. If it is so, then why we have elected you? If you can’t take the responsibility then why you have taken the opportunity? Its’ better to leave it for some more responsible and deserving person.
- If you ask why I can’t choose what to wear and what to eat? They may call you uncultured or so called west thinkers. ‘Is it the cloth or food who will decide your culture or thoughts and opinions you carry with yourself?
- If you ask why Make in India is full of FDI instead of a portion of investment and rest from India. They may answer you; Do you actually know what is FDI? Is it a rocket science that general people can’t understand?
- If you ask about uncontrolled inflation, you may come with an answer defending government policy instead of the weak points of the governing regulations and rules.
- If you ask, why ‘Godman or Babas’ is so powerful that they can go against the government and organize any event? You may come with a reply that you are supporter of some other ‘Babas’.
- The funniest part of these nonsense things is that everyone has learned two new words- Intolerance and anti-national.
What is happening these days in the country is neither a rocket science to understand nor a philosophy to be imposed. We need to understand the full meaning of freedom of speech. So we continue with the Article 19 of Indian Constitution.
(2) Nothing in sub clause (a) of clause ( 1 ) shall affect the operation of any existing law, or prevent the State from making any law, in so far as such law imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub clause in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, 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 offence
(3) Nothing in sub clause (b) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India or public order, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub clause
(4) Nothing in sub clause (c) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India or public order or morality, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub clause
(5) Nothing in sub clauses (d) and (e) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of any of the rights conferred by the said sub clauses either in the interests of the general public or for the protection of the interests of any Scheduled Tribe
(6) Nothing in sub clause (g) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, in the interests of the general public, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub clause, and, in particular, nothing in the said sub clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it relates to, or prevent the State from making any law relating to,
(i) the professional or technical qualifications necessary for practising any profession or carrying on any occupation, trade or business, or
(ii) the carrying on by the State, or by a corporation owned or controlled by the State, of any trade, business, industry or service, whether to the exclusion, complete or partial, of citizens or otherwise
So the Constitution of India has guaranteed freedom of speech to all its citizens irrespective of the caste, creed or religion. But Yes, if you see the Clause (2) of Article 19. Its’ clearly mention that state can impose reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India.
From JNU crisis to Rohith Vemula controversy, India witnessed a lot of political instability and social dramas. Its’ time to wake up India. It is the time to move one step ahead for freedom of speech.
Because one has got the vocal cord, it doesn’t mean that you can speak anything. The constitution of India definitely grants freedom of speech but it has also imposed reasonable restrictions regarding the interest of unity and integrity of India.
On the other hand, Government can’t impose restrictions on silly things like what you can wear or what you can eat because these are matter of one’s own choice. Yes, one can appeal not to eat or drink something on reasonable grounds but can’t put restrictions.
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake!
These are the first and last stanzas taken from a poem written by the Rabindranath Tagore. It means the poet is dreaming a country without any fear, high knowledge and it will come true only when both the government and people wake up for the true sense of freedom of speech.
Its’ India, a land of all religions and culture. The true spirit lies in serving the humanity. Please can’t make India a place like Syria and Iraq.
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