Freedom of speech extends to social media too: Vinod Dua to SC

Senior journalist Vinod Dua, who faces sedition charges filed by Himachal Pradesh police for a YouTube broadcast, on Friday told the Supreme Court that freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution extends to citizens on social media and in the press.

Appearing for Dua, senior advocate Vikas Singh told a bench of Justices U U Lalit and Vineet Saran that the United States Bill of Rights “mentions both citizens and press”, whereas Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution makes no mention of the press.

Singh said that under Article 19(1)(a), the press also enjoys whatever rights citizen enjoys, although citizens do not report on a daily basis. But with the advent of social media, citizens are also writing, he said.