Freedom of the press and expression
MARCH 2018 TOPIC: Do we enjoy the freedom of the press and expression in the real sense?
Freedom of speech is being able to speak without censorship. In the present scenario, one could be inviting trouble if one is to communicate views against religious decisions or government or ideology. The controversy over the film Padmaavat, the death of reporter Gauri Lankesh and the FIR against Rachna Khaira all point out that we have no freedom of speech in the real sense.
Arunima (12)
St Joseph Convent School, Jalandhar
If we are able to express freely as stated in the fundamental rights of our country, then the controversy like Padmaavat would not have occurred. In a democratic country one expects freedom of every sort, but that is definitely not the case here. People are intolerant in this country and that is the truth.
Twinkle Jain (19)
SGND Khalsa, Delhi University
Well, I think we do have freedom of press and expression. We email our opinions and they are published. But sometimes a small comment can make the life of the person vulnerable. It means that freedom of press and expression is possible only when your words don’t affect the status or life of anyone.
Sejal Shingne (15)
Fatima Convent School, Achalpur
The answer to this is ‘No’; we do not enjoy freedom of the press and expression in the real sense. Today, the press thinks highly of itself. They don’t respect the privacy of others. Press wants to know everything about a celebrity’s life. They publish all these just to gain popularity. The freedom of the press and expression sometimes go against ‘the right to privacy’.
Anahit Sandhu (13)
St Joseph Convent School, Jalandhar
The harsh reality is that the press is under pressure to conform to political headwinds and chauvinistic heroism. Rogue campaigns led by violent men attempt to dampen creativity and promote moral policing. It is up to the civil society to stand united against tyrannical elements. The press too must be responsible to prevent sensationalism and fake news.
Shailja Pandey (19)
NIT Hamipur
Freedom of speech and expression means the right to express one’s opinions freely by word of mouth, writing or any other mode. Today, it is the requirement of modern society. It includes the freedom of communication and gives us the right to publish our thoughts in front of the world. The press has now assumed the role of public educator. But are we enjoying these rights given to us by our constitution? Actually we are not enjoying but misusing them. Freedom of expression is used to announce fake things, to make fake promises and how can I forget to say bad and abusive words to bring someone down. We are very lucky to have got these rights and we must make best use of these.
Jiya (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar
The Indian Constitution bestows on every citizen the right to freedom of speech and press. The undue influence of the politicians has restricted freedom of speech and expression and if anyone tries to bring out a flaw, he is termed as anti-national and charged under the sedition law. The press is manipulated to increase vote banks. Therefore, in my opinion, we do not enjoy the freedom of press and expression in the real sense.
Pahul Sond (19)
Christ (Deemed University), Bangalore
I feel that we are enjoying freedom of press and expression, since I can express my views through the esteemed column of THE TEENAGER TODAY magazine. However, the murders of journalists in recent years, banning books, banning movies, cow vigilantes, chanting anti-national slogans are big strikes on this right provided by our Constitution. Since India is a country of multi-religions and beliefs, we have to make sure that what we speak doesn’t hurt anyone. If everyone realizes that with freedom comes responsibility to protect it then the freedom of press and expression can be enjoyed in true sense.
Shivam Uniyal
HNBGU, Srinagar Garhwal
Of course, we enjoy the freedom of press and expression in the real sense but there are times when it can be harmful for the common people. Media can create issues. At the same time social media provide lot of entertainment and interesting matters about our world and of our nation. It’s risky yet enjoyable!
Vidhi Wankhade
Fatima Convent School, Achalpur
In India we are enjoying freedom of speech and expression, liberty to express opinions and ideas without hindrance especially without fear of punishment. This plays a significant role in society. Our media is also enjoying this freedom. The media raises its voice even against the policies of the government. This helps people to get to know their rights in real sense. Press is called the fourth pillar of the State. Newspapers are called the ‘people’s parliament’. This right enables the media to present true picture of life and of things happening every moment.
Dhriti Malhan (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar
To an extent, it is a yes. The freedom of press and expression is enjoyed in India until it messes with the ‘unity in diversity’ ideal of the country. We have seen the press playing a pivotal role in forming public opinion on major contentious issues. But at the same time, its freedom has also been curbed, when press has allegiance towards some political parties or religious groups. Yet, the situation in India is better than many other nations where the voices of expression have been snatched away.
Donna John (20)
Morning Star Home Science College, Ernakulam
No, certainly not when it comes to our rights and duties. It’s over 70 years since we are an independent nation, yet many of us do not enjoy freedom of the press, especially when it comes to the poorer section of the population. It is often seen that they have little say in the fourth pillar of democracy. Further, the press in today’s era, is affected by certain “vichardhara” (way of thinking). There is still a lot to introspect in this matter and I hope the situation would be better in future.
Rohit Srivastava (13)
Jeevan Marg Sophia Secondary School, Deoria
In theory, yes, but practically no! In India, there have been instances in which one is made to suffer because one expressed one’s opinions about a person, event or organization. Actually, it’s not freedom of expression that’s in danger, but the art of conversation. Freedom of press and expression is one area where India is on a decline. If you limit what the writers should write or what the filmmakers should make, then how can one say that there is freedom of speech?
Navya Bhardwaj (14)
St Joseph Convent School, Jalandhar
Yes, we have the freedom of press and expression but with reasonable restrictions. In India, freedom of press has been treated as a part of freedom of speech guaranteed by article 19 of the Constitution. But in reality, the constitution guarantees free speech but not the right to offend. Free speech can nurture and encourage imagination and new possibilities, but it can also be one of the great banalities.
Riya Dange (15)
Fatima Convent School, Achalpur
If someone says something which is not acceptable to the majority of the people, then that person who expressed his thoughts will be victimised. People should change their mindsets. We are in the 21st century and we should move with the pace of development. If someone expresses something which is arrogant, the public should not react to it in the same manner. We should work with peace because freedom of speech is the first condition of liberty.
Apoorva Shukla (20)
LAD College Shankarnagar, Nagpur
When compared to other countries, in India we have the freedom of expression and the opportunities to give our opinions. Youngsters of the urban area have better opportunities, but the youngsters from the rural areas face a lot of challenges to express and communicate their views because of reasons related to culture and customs of the place. There is a need for creating opportunities of communication for youngsters in the rural areas.
Dishant Kithani (17)
K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai
In India, Section 19A of the Constitution of India grants its citizens the freedom of speech and expression but no separate act has been formulated so far to provide freedom of press in India. Journalists, who try to expose the dark sides of our society, are made to remain quiet. So how can one enjoy the freedom of press and expression in the real sense? In a recent survey released by Reporters with Borders, a consortium of International Journalists, India is ranked 136 in the World Press Freedom Index. Our country has gone three points down from last year’s survey. So we need to unite and support to preserve and sustain the freedom of press and expression in India.
Jashneet Khaira (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar