SPEAKING UP: A SATIRICAL EXAMINATION OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION IN THE SAFFRON PARTY ERA

Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right that allows people to speak freely without being afraid of being restricted or punished. However, in recent years, there have been debates and worries about the dent in freedom of speech and expression under the BJP government in India. 

The BJP came to power in 2014 and since then has embarked on policies and initiatives that created debates including the state of freedom of speech and expression in the country. Critics point out that certain things and legislative measures have limited the space for opposition and silenced the voices of individuals. 

DIGITAL MEDIA ETHICS CODE RULES, 2021 IN VIOLATION OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH 

Among the noteworthy laws that have evoked opponents’ attention is the Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021. One of the provisions in the Digital Media Ethics Code 2021 that erodes the right to free speech is the regulation of content considered defamatory, obscene, or anti-national. Critics say by its nature such provisions are rather subjective which again can lead to self-censorship by curtailment of dissenting voices. Discussing ethical principles and free speech is essential. These rules bind social media companies to comply with government demands to remove content that is considered unlawful or against public order. This, critics suggest, might become censorship and restrict freedom of speech.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH VIOLATED FOR SOCIAL ACTIVISTS AND ARTISTS

Incidents have occurred too where media professionals, activists, and artists have been taken to court or harassed by the central agencies when they expressed their opinions or criticized the government. Others argue that this leads to an atmosphere of fear in which people shy away from voicing their opinions.

INDIA'S RANKING ON PRESS FREEDOM INDEX DURING THE BJP TENURE

"India's ranking on 142 out of 180 countries in Press Freedom Index 2021, serves as a glaring spotlight on media freedom within the country. It's like the BJP Government has given a "Keep Quiet" badge to the journalists against raising their voices. This indicates that Indian journalists as well as the media organizations confront different challenges in terms of expressing their opinions and reporting news freely. Preservation of the press freedom is important to the democratic system as well for information interchange. It guarantees transparency and accountability.

CONCLUSION 

Earlier the controversy surrounding popular stand-up comedians & Journalists speaking out against the BJP had sparked discussions about freedom of speech and expression.Many faced criticism and backlash for their alleged remarks against the BJP Government. In a democracy worth its salt, the right to speak your mind is as sacred as the morning cup of chai- essential for keeping the conversation brewing and ideas flowing. The limitation of the right to freedom of speech and expression is a point of worry for democracy. Freedom of speech is of utmost importance in a democracy, as it provides room for the public to freely express their views, criticize their leaders, and demand honesty. It's high time that the BJP Government should withstand the Constitutional principles of protecting the freedom of speech and expression and stop hitting the mute button on dissenting voices.

• DIPANKAR JHA