Shaping Free Speech: The Supreme Court's Constitutional Journey

Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai discussed the Supreme Court's pivotal role in the evolution of free speech jurisprudence in India. Over 75 years, the court has strategically defined and safeguarded freedom of speech while mitigating restrictions, adapting to new digital-age challenges.

During a lecture on the scope and limitations of freedom of speech under the Indian Constitution, former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai highlighted the Supreme Court's significant role in shaping this fundamental right over the past 75 years.

He emphasized that the journey reflects a constitutional commitment to balance state power and individual expression, thus preserving citizens' rights to think and speak freely within a democratic framework.

The ex-CJI detailed the judiciary's efforts in expanding the scope of expression to include personal and identity-based freedoms, while also addressing digital-age challenges like misinformation and surveillance that threaten free speech principles.

(With inputs from agencies.)