In one of the instance during my working days, when I wanted to express my views, I was stopped by my seniors as it may lead to serious consequences. Infact I was warned to get fire from.my job. I wanted to highlight some drawback and bad practices that were prevalent in the office. But assuming most of colleagues were boot lockers I was suppressed to come forward. Infact the situation really took me by surprise. I felt dejected, as even after working for so many years, I was not allowed to keep my opinion. It was time when I realized that the right to free speech is merely in the bok of laws.
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The right to free speech, also known as freedom of expression, is the right to share ideas and opinions without fear of censorship, retaliation, or legal action. It's considered a fundamental right in a democratic society. However , with the passage of time and some corrupt people in power, the right to free speech hangs only in the books of laws. The common man made to be a piece of puppet. Theybwere not allowed to exercise the laws completelly.
There were many instances, where a person voice were suppressed, or killed. Infact, we have seen in our social media world, how o many users were banned from the platform. The moment they wanted to express their views which were not in favor of people in power, ultimately the end up losing their rights.
Many people are now aware about the right to free speecb. Here are some things to know about the right to free speech:
- International law protects free speech, but there are some instances where it can be restricted. For example, speech can be restricted if it violates the rights of others, advocates hatred, or incites violence or discrimination.
- Restrictions on freedom of expression must be provided by law, be clearly necessary, and protect certain public interests or the rights of others.
- In India, the right to free speech is guaranteed by Article 19 of the Constitution. It includes the right to express oneself through speech, writing, printing, visual representations, or any other means.
- Free speech is important because it allows people to communicate clearly and cooperate to fulfill their collective obligations. It also allows people to exercise their normative powers, such as consenting, waiving, or promising.
The right to free speech is still recognized today and is enshrined in international and regional human rights law. However, the right to free speech is not absolute and can be limited in certain circumstances. For example, speech can be restricted if it:
Violates the rights of others
Advocates hatred and incites discrimination or violence
Causes fear of violence, alarm, or distress
Constitutes harassment
Is defamatory or malicious
The degree to which the right to free speech is upheld in practice varies greatly from one nation to another. For example, some nations with authoritarian forms of government enforce overt government censorship. I think in today's time the people who keeps their mouth shut are more happier than people who advocate for free speech.