Even the greatest
democrat will not say ‘yes’ to this question. Man is absolutely free to
think in any way but this thinking can’t be allowed to be expressed as
it is. Liberty of expression is hedged by certain restrictions. Its duty
is to restrain public feelings on controversial issues. It is now
generally recognized that some curbs are necessary to prevent misuse of
the freedom of the press. Freedom must not be allowed to degenerate into
license.
There would be
total chaos if everybody were allowed to publish what he thought or
felt. City gutters would be full of human blood. God, religious opinions
,are beyond criticism and if the press starts decrying this God or that
God, starts condemning this belief or that belief, starts denouncing
‘this religious opinion or that religious opinion there would be,
bloodshed and all pervasive chaos. Press can’t do this. Freedom of
thought can’t be allowed to touch unimaginative heights. Freedom of
press is sacred privilege and its use requires tact and patience. It
carries with it many obligations. First obligation is to publish only
the correct news. Second, it must not make news sensational just to
excite emotions and sentiments of the masses. It must realize that
whatever it writes is taken for granted and people have staunch belief
in that. So it must be cautious enough to give thoughts the shape of
words with all precaution and vigilance on its command. To err is human
and it is good to feel sorry. Verbal remarks are easily forgotten when
one says sorry but written remarks leave their scars even after
tendering a written apology. Many a time newspapers publish wrong news
without ascertaining the fact and the next day they publish their
unqualified apology. But the damage has been done, so they must be very
cautious. Third, they should be objective in their approach and present
fact or fiction as it is. They should not overcoat bitter pili with
surgery substance. Fourth, they should abstain from taking up
controversial issues as such attempts may vitiate the whole atmosphere
and bring untold miseries to the common people. Fifth, they should
refrain from the habit of character assassination. Sixth, they are free
to criticize but they should not misquote and misrepresent. Rights and
obligations go cheek by jowl—this must be borne in mind all the time.
The right to freedom of
speech and expression is the backbone of any democratic set-up. A free
press is indispensable for ensuring openness in society.