Idea of speech & expression needs to be less intellectualized in India

Source-This post on idea of speech & expression needs to be less intellectualised in India has been created based on the article “We need to make freedom of speech low-brow in India” published in “Live Mint” on 11 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2– Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Background-The Supreme Court has recently quashed charges which were levelled against a college professor from Maharashtra. The court held that Indians have a right to criticize the government, and to wish Pakistan on its Independence Day. Idea of speech & expression needs to be less intellectualized in India

Why is there a need to de-intellectualise ideas of speech and expression?

1) Esoteric nature-The idea of speech and expression are understood only by a few or those who have specialized knowledge of it. This is due to the domination of powerful people who want these ideas to remain complex.

2) Wrong Notions-Contrary to popular belief, freedom of speech & Expression did not come entirely from the Constitution. It rather comes from chaos, ambiguity and vast rustic informality of Indians. For ex- India’s free speech came from the same place from where Indians still derive their right to drive on the wrong side of the road.

3) Indian example– In India, freedom of expression was never practised as an esoteric
ideal or a highly intellectual concept. It simply relied on basic human needs to say stuff.

What should be the way forward?

1) Role of civil societies– There is a need for robust civil society and human rights activists who can raise voice for voice-less and fight for the rights of the lowest rung.

2) Role of opposition parties and artists– Opposition parties can take a low-risk-high-return gamble by saying uncomfortable truths that no one can say anymore. Comedians and other kinds of entertainers can also take a shot at the repressive tendencies of government. This will remove the fear of oppression by the government from common people.