Apropos Mihir S Sharma’s column “SRK, HM” (Ticker, February 3), the writer seems to favour virtually unfettered freedom of expression for people. However, in a democracy like India, this could spell chaos. Article 19 (2) in the Constitution makes people accountable for their use of the freedom of expression, and sets a limit to the grounds of actions taken by those offended. These restrictions appear unduly reasonable because of its misuse by protestors and the failure of the State to curb them. Ironically, these protestors are a small group of vociferous elements masquerading as representatives of their communities. Moreover, as the writer indicates, the State is selective in its role as “enforcer” and “protector” of free expression. It shows its might in targeting peaceful citizens, angry with the brutal rape of a young woman, with water cannons, but bans a movie cleared by the Censor Board, instead of hauling them up for infringement of law and peace.
Y G Chouksey, Pune
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201 · E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
