Free speech an aid to good governance: Arun Jaitley

The overall scenario was also influenced by technological tools that brought about a change in the form, style and method of dissemination.

These developments also impacted the definition of News, which today was increasingly being influenced by the camera and channel driven mode.

Jaitley stated this while delivering Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture-2015 on the topic “Is it possible to impose reasonable restriction on Freedom of Speech & Expression given today’s media landscape” organized by Prasar Bharti here.

Elaborating further, the Minister lauded the judiciary for its role in expanding the scope of Right to freedom of Speech and Expression over the years. Various judicial pronouncements had underlined the spirit of the idea behind the Right to freedom of Speech and Expression under the Constitution and correlated contemporary developments, issues and changes in the media space. 

The Minister also referred to the debates in the Constituent Assembly regarding issues related to Freedom of Speech and Expression and the philosophy of the idea of reasonable restrictions as propounded by the distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly. Judicial pronouncements subsequently in specific cases focused on issues pertaining to the idea of reasonableness related to restrictions under the Article 19 (2) of the Constitution in the interest of sovereignty, security and public order.

Nonetheless due to the pluralistic character of the media space, it was important to exercise caution taking into account public order and sensibilities. He said that these restrictions could only be imposed by law and were specific rather than general so as to prevent misuse.

Regarding the media landscape, Jaitley said satellite televisions had brought about a sea change in the presentation of news, in the current scenario the recipient of information had the right to information and knowledge which was also being considered part of the debate under Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression.

While the dissemination process in the social media space also impacted the information flow and contributed to the public debate and setting of agendas in the policy framework.

Social media had led to the empowerment of citizens by giving them a voice. Decision makers were increasingly using social media to gauge public sentiments on government policies making public reactions, among other things, the new agenda setters for governance. 

Paying homage to India freedom fighter Sardar Patel, Jaitley said that India today owed its present geographical unity and integrity to him.