Even if a view expressed by someone is unpalatable, their right to freedom of expression must be respected : Supreme Court

Case against Congress MP quashed

New Delhi – In a healthy democracy, views expressed by an individual or group, even if disagreeable to the majority, must be countered with reasoned discourse—not silenced. The Supreme Court ruled that freedom of expression must be respected in a civilised society. Poetry, drama, films, cartoons, and art make human life meaningful, and citizens must have the right to express themselves through such media. The Court quashed the FIR filed by Gujarat Police against poet and Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, affirming that “without freedom of thought and expression, the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution is rendered meaningless.”

Imran Pratapgarhi

Imran Pratapgarhi had shared a poem titled “Ae Khoon Ke Pyaase, Baat Suno” on social media, following which Gujarat Police had registered a case against him.