Write your opinion on Freedom of Speech and expression and reasonable restrictions in the context of any landmark case

Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India states that “all citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression”. The philosophy behind this Article lies in the Preamble of the Constitution, where a solemn resolve is made to secure to all its citizens, liberty of thought and expression. The exercise of this right is, however, subject to “reasonable restrictions” for certain purposes being imposed under Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India.

Elements of Freedom of Speech and Expression

• Write your opinion on Freedom of Speech and expression and reasonable restrictions in the context of any landmark case.
• This right is available only to a citizen of India and not to foreign nationals.

Case

In Sakaal Papers Ltd. v. Union of India,[AIR 1962 SC 305]the Daily Newspapers (Price and Page) Order, 1960, which fixed the number of pages and size which a newspaper could publish at a price and Bennett Coleman and Co. v. Union of India,[AIR 1973 SC 106; (1972) 2 SCC 788],the validity of the Newsprint Control Order, which fixed the maximum number of pages, was struck down by the Supreme Court of India holding it to be violative of provision of Article 19(1)(a) and not to be reasonable restriction under Article 19(2). The Court struck down the Government’s stand that it would help small newspapers to grow."