SC: Value Free Speech, Show Restraint
While hearing a plea on offensive posts, Supreme Court stresses self-regulation and warns against divisive content online
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-07-14 11:12 GMT
The Supreme Court on Monday emphasised that citizens must appreciate the value of their right to freedom of speech and expression and exercise self-restraint as it considers guidelines to regulate offensive social media posts.
A two-judge bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and K.V. Viswanathan was hearing a petition by Wazahat Khan, who is named in FIRs across several states, including West Bengal, for posting content on X deemed offensive to a Hindu deity.
“One of our fundamental duties is to uphold the unity and integrity of India,” the Court observed. “All these divisive tendencies, at least on social media, must be curbed. But to what extent can the state intervene? Why can’t citizens regulate themselves? If they do not value freedom of speech and expression, the state will step in, and who wants that? Nobody.”
The bench extended interim protection from coercive action to Khan, which had been granted on June 23. Khan had also filed a complaint against another influencer, Sharmistha Panoli, alleging communal remarks in a video.
Justice Nagarathna reiterated, “Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right. But without self-restraint and self-regulation… citizens must regulate themselves if they wish to enjoy this right.”
Referring to Justice Viswanathan’s comments, she added, “There must be fraternity among citizens; then all this hatred will decline.”
“Our discussion is not about censorship,” the Court clarified. “But in the interest of fraternity, secularism, and the dignity of individuals… we will need to explore this further.”
The Supreme Court also outlined the reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, noting that they have “rightly been placed.”