2017-05-03 Wed

Freedom is very important in any country and this comes by birth!

But when it comes to press, it is very difficult to draw a line between freedom of speech and offensive comments. And in the recent times, it’s an ongoing debate.

In the world of Social media, everyone is active on Facebook, Twitter, etc. trying to speak up their minds and voice out on various issues and world events. But how far can you comment on such issues?

Every country has a different tolerant level when it comes to freedom of press and freedom of speech.

Talking about India, the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression is provided in Article 19. It is believed that Freedom of Speech and Expression in Article 19 of the Indian constitution also includes freedom of the press.

Every Indian, including press reporters, can express ideas and views freely through the press and public platform.

Freedom of expression enables one to express one’s own voices as well as those of others. But freedom of the press must be subject to those restrictions which apply to the freedom of speech and expression. The restrictions mentioned in Article 19 are defamation, contempt of court, decency or morality, security of the state, friendly relations with other states, incitement to an offense, public order and maintenance of the sovereignty and integrity of India.

The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

It also celebrates the fundamental principles to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

Just imagine the world without any freedom of speech! How do you feel?

The given picture is a Latvia stamp which was issued for World Press Freedom Day. It perfectly conveys the meaning of it by depicting the feather of a dove and a pen in between. The denomination of the stamp is 0.57 Euro.

So let’s speak our minds out keeping nothing on our heavy hearts!

Set free and voice out the injustice… Happy World Press Day!