HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 05: Model Answer

Question: How laws passed during colonial rule in India are still impacting the Freedom of speech and expression in India?  (4 Marks, 60 Words)

Answer: 

Introduction:

• India ranked 142 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, 2021, highlighting the issues related to the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Body:

There are many colonial laws which are still impacting the freedom of speech and expression: 

• Section 124A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) : Many governments have deployed sedition law under this section in order to criminalize political opposition.
• Section 499/500 of IPC : The law makes defamation a criminal offence.
• Official Secrets Act, 1923: Under this law, both the communicating and receiving persons involved in disclosure of secret information of the government can be punished.