What is meant by freedom of expression? What in your view would be a reasonable restriction on this freedom? Give examples.

• Freedom of expression means the freedom to express one’s views through speech, writing etc.

• It is considered to belong to the minimum area of ‘non-interference’, that is, negative liberty.

• According to the provisions of the Indian Constitution, this is a fundamental right.

• Society bears some inconvenience caused by freedom of speech to protect it from people who want to restrict it.

• Society cannot restrict people from expressing themselves freely whether it agrees with their views or not.

• A reasonable restriction of freedom of expression is one that allows society to function smoothly and curbs interference in privacy.

• These restrictions are reasonable as they are necessary to run the society smoothly.

Following are some reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech.

• Freedom of speech cannot interfere in someone’s privacy. Employees of Royal household of England are constrained by contract from disclosing any inner affairs of the royal household.

• Another example of putting restriction on freedom of speech is of film censor board. Censor board of films ban some portion of film to prevent adverse effect on society or disturbance of peace.