Freedom of Speech and Expression with Respect to Indian Cinema:An Analysis

Introduction
In India, constitution gives rights to an
individual for presenting their opinions under
Article 19 (1) (a)3.Freedom of expression is
essential to the expansion and fulfillment of
individual personality. It is a live wire of the
democracy. Freedom of expression is more
essential in democratic setup of State where
people are the Sovereign rulers. According to
Sir William Ivor Jennings, “Without freedom of
speech, the appeal to reason which is the basis of
democracy cannot be made.”4
The freedom of speech under Article 19(1)
(a) comprises with right to express one’s views
and views at any issue through any medium,
e.g. by words of mouth, writing, printing,
picture, film, movie etc. It thus comprises the
freedom of communication and the right to
propagate or printed their opinion. But this
right is subject to reasonable restrictions being
imposed under Article 19(2). Free expression
cannot be equated or confused with a license to
make unfounded and irresponsible allegations
against the judiciary5. It is not only guaranteed
in the constitution or other states legislations
but also by different international conventions
like Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
European convention on Human Rights and
fundamental freedoms, International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights and etc.