Arjun Raj M V, CT university
“I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” - Voltaire
India is a country with a wide variety of no. of religions and ideologies, some so different from the others just like chalk and cheese. As a result, we are left with a large number of people divided into different; groups and sub-groups, who differ from each other in opinions, and viewpoints about various subjects. When a person decides to voice out or speak his opinion of the other ideology, with a tone of disagreement, that person is immediately crucified. Campaigns are waged, defamation befalls, and he is scrouged until he either apologizes or his voice is muzzled. But the funny part is that they will let true hate speech pass without any qualm. This has been a recurrent theme in India forever. Freedom of speech is the backbone of democracy, It helps citizens to voice their opinion against the government if it steps out of the line. Art 19(2) of the Indian constitution gives this right to all of its citizens with reasonable restrictions; Any kind of absolute freedom defeats the sole purpose of freedom itself. Many a truth is spoken in jest, agree with it or not some of the powerful, both political & philosophical trifles of this century are delivered through standup routines. When controversies such as Munawar’s take place – comedians are muffled and tortured because their jokes are remotely religious in nature - it really has me question whether freedom of speech is a myth in India or not? This article will try to explore the nuances of freedom of speech, reasonable restrictions, and the comedian’s role and privilege in -freedom of speech and expression.
