Right to Peaceful Assembly Is Fundamental, But Perils Abound

The hurdles being put in the path of peaceful protesters are multiplying, despite the Constitution’s guarantees.

Article 19(1)(a) of our Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. Despite this guarantee, few people are understandably uncertain of the extent to which this fundamental right protects them.

For example, a journalist was booked last year for sedition for speculating on a likely change of leadership in a particular state. Surely, he couldn’t have expected that.

There are many such instances of irrational curbs on freedom of speech and expression, but it is not necessary to recall them.