PRAYAGRAJ: Observing that the right to freedom of expression does not confer upon citizens the right to speak without responsibility, the Allahabad high court dismissed a petition filed by a woman, who had sought quashing of proceedings against her for using abusive language and releasing obscene material on social media.
Dismissing the petition filed by one Nandini Sachan of Jhansi district, the bench of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav observed, “It is beyond the shadow of doubt that social media is a global platform for exchange of thoughts, opinions and ideas. The internet and social media have become an important tool through which individuals can exercise their right to freedom of expression, but the right to freedom of expression comes with its own set of special responsibilities and duties. It does not confer upon the citizens the right to speak without responsibility nor does it grant unfettered licence for every possible use of language.”
