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    Shreya Singhal Vs Union of India Case Law

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    himanshukadu2003

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    Shreya Singhal Vs Union of India Case Law

    Uploaded by

    himanshukadu2003
    8 views8 pages

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    Shreya-Singhal-vs-Union-of-India-Case-Law

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    8 views8 pages

    Shreya Singhal Vs Union of India Case Law

    Uploaded by

    himanshukadu2003

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Shreya Singhal vs

    Union of India Case


    Law
    In 2012, two girls were arrested for Facebook posts about Shiv Sena's bandh
    in Mumbai. Shreya Singhal filed a PIL against section 66A and the case made
    history.

    by Himanshu Kadu
    Background of the Case
    1 The Controversial Section 66A of the IT Act
    It gave the government the power to censor the internet and arrest
    anyone posting “offensive” content online.

    2 Blatant Misuse of Power


    Despite being unconstitutional, the section was used by the authorities
    to curb free speech and silence criticism of the government.

    3 Shreya Singhal's Appeal


    She filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court,
    seeking to have the section struck down.
    Laws Challenged in the Case
    Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(2) of the
    Constitution of India
    Section 66A of the IT Act Singhal argued that these provisions guarantee the
    It was challenged for being too broad, vague, and freedom of speech and expression and impose
    violating the fundamental right to free speech. reasonable restrictions on it.

    1 2 3

    The Indian Penal Code


    Several provisions, including Section 124A (sedition),
    Section 295A (hurting religious sentiments), and
    Section 499 (defamation), were also challenged for
    being violative of free speech and expression.
    Landmark Judgments and Amendments

    Landmark Judgments Amendments to the Law Impact of the Verdict


    The Supreme Court struck down After the Shreya Singhal verdict, It was hailed as a landmark judgment
    section 66A of the IT Act, stating it Section 118A of the Kerala Police Act and a victory for free speech and civil
    violated the freedom of speech and and Section 45A of the Information liberties in India.
    expression guaranteed by the Technology Act were also struck
    Constitution. down.
    Role of Social Media in Shaping the Issue
    A Tool for Mobilisation Bringing International Attention
    Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook were The case attracted global media attention and
    used by activists to build public support for the highlighted the need for protecting freedom of
    campaign against section 66A. expression online.

    A Forum for Debate Challenges and Criticisms


    Social media helped generate public opinion and Some critics have argued that social media can be
    shaped the discourse on the issue. polarising and destructive for democracy, and that it
    can lead to censorship and surveillance.
    Implications for Freedom of Speech in India

    1 Positive Developments
    The verdict reinforced the importance of constitutional rights and established the principle that free speech
    cannot be curbed arbitrarily.

    2 Remaining Challenges
    Despite the verdict, the government has continued to enact laws that curb free speech, and the media
    continues to face legal challenges and repression.

    3 Need for Further Reform


    The verdict should be seen as a starting point for more robust protections of freedom of speech and
    expression in India.
    Public Reaction and Aftermath

    Public Reaction Aftermath The Way Forward


    The verdict was lauded by civil society The verdict set a new norm for The verdict should be seen as a wake-
    groups, journalists, and activists as a protecting freedom of speech and up call for all citizens to defend their
    win for free speech and a blow to expression, and also sparked a debate right to freedom of speech and hold
    authoritarian tendencies in Indian on the wider issues of freedom of the those in power accountable.
    democracy. press, online privacy, and surveillance.
    Conclusion and Future Implications
    The Importance of Free The Need for Stronger The Role of Civil Society
    Speech Protections Civil society groups and citizens
    Free speech is a cornerstone of The verdict is only the beginning of must remain vigilant and active in
    democracy and should be a longer journey towards defending their right to free speech
    protected at all costs. establishing stronger safeguards and expression, and in holding
    for free speech in India. elected officials accountable.

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