Freedom of Expression

India is treading on turbulent waters. In Unnao, a family was ostracised for standing up for their rights to justice. Tabriz Ansari was lynched for not chanting “Jai Sri Raam”. When 49 celebrities wrote to PM requesting action for those inciting violence in the name of Ram, 62 people questioned the celebrities for defaming the nation.

Have we lost the freedom to express our fears? First, it was the right to speech, then came the cartoons, the memes and now the fears. Can’t we question the atrocities?

The Right to Information bill was diluted by amending the provisions regarding the appointment of Central Information Commissioners. Even the New Education Policy speaks of three languages with Hindi made mandatory to non-Hindi speaking states. The UAPA amendment bill gives the power to the government to designate a person as a terrorist.

TGS George, an eminent journalist opined, “And now, be ready to get smashed.” He cautions the way the government is treating her people.

It is time for us to talk about such events; not as liberals or conservatives but as friends to ensure the democracy of our nation.