Freedom Of Speech Under 66 A


The Supreme court struck down section 66 A of the information technology Act holding it violative of Article 19(1) a of the constitution, which gurantees freedom of speech. The verdict was pronounced on a batch petitions challenging constitutional validity of certain sections of the cyber law including a provision under which a person can be arrested for allegedly posting offensive contents on website. public right to know is directly affected by sec.66A  of information technology Act. The supreme court has termed the provision as vague and said "What may be offensive to a person may not be offensive to others. Sec.66A of IT Act clearly affects Right to freedom Of speech and Expression enshrined under constitution- the court said. Governments  come and go but section 66A will remain forever- said the supreme court. while refusing  to consider centre 's  assurance that the law in question will not be abused.