Latest news with #HemantMalviya
Economic Times
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Our courts confirm we're like this only
It is what it is. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court confirmed that India is not a liberal democratic society that puts the right of freedom and speech on par with - never mind above - the right to dignity . In other words, being offended gets a free hand to take punitive action against the person offending. The 2-member bench was hearing pleas against five standup comedians making 'insensitive jokes' - as opposed to 'sensitive' ones - about persons with disabilities. Where criticism would have been an earlier standard response against offensive remarks (that lie outside the ambit of fomenting enmity between communities), Article 21 of the Constitution, providing right to dignity, as part of right to life and liberty, has been stated to legally 'trump' Article 19, the right to freedom and expression. This observation mirrors the reality of how Indian society weighs freedom of expression Hearing a separate case on the same day, another Supreme Court bench granted cartoonist Hemant Malviya interim protection from arrest. He has been booked over a January 2021 cartoon mocking the PM and RSS over Covid vaccination. Such protection can be considered the limit of Indian liberalism's approach to satire, coming as it does a day after the court criticised Malviya for his 'immature' cartoon that portrayed its subjects in an 'undignified' manner after the accused apologised and deleted the cartoon from social does not share the kind of liberal leeway that countries allowing lampoons of PMs, presidents and monarchs still do. Perhaps, in this regard, it is ahead of the curve in a world growing increasingly truculent against sarcasm and jibes that were once frowned upon by hypersensitive parties, but legally tolerated.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Our courts confirm we're like this only
It is what it is. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court confirmed that India is not a liberal democratic society that puts the right of freedom and speech on par with - never mind above - the right to dignity . In other words, being offended gets a free hand to take punitive action against the person offending. The 2-member bench was hearing pleas against five standup comedians making 'insensitive jokes' - as opposed to 'sensitive' ones - about persons with disabilities. Where criticism would have been an earlier standard response against offensive remarks (that lie outside the ambit of fomenting enmity between communities), Article 21 of the Constitution, providing right to dignity, as part of right to life and liberty, has been stated to legally 'trump' Article 19, the right to freedom and expression. This observation mirrors the reality of how Indian society weighs freedom of expression Hearing a separate case on the same day, another Supreme Court bench granted cartoonist Hemant Malviya interim protection from arrest. He has been booked over a January 2021 cartoon mocking the PM and RSS over Covid vaccination. Such protection can be considered the limit of Indian liberalism's approach to satire, coming as it does a day after the court criticised Malviya for his 'immature' cartoon that portrayed its subjects in an 'undignified' manner after the accused apologised and deleted the cartoon from social does not share the kind of liberal leeway that countries allowing lampoons of PMs, presidents and monarchs still do. Perhaps, in this regard, it is ahead of the curve in a world growing increasingly truculent against sarcasm and jibes that were once frowned upon by hypersensitive parties, but legally tolerated.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Supreme Court grants interim relief to cartoonist, but says offensive posts a matter of concern
Supreme Court (ANI) NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from arrest to Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya, who has been booked over a cartoon shared on social media containing derogatory references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS and said that it would be a test case for the court on how to deal with the offensive posts. The court listed the matter after August 15 for further hearing. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Aravind Kumar granted interim protection after he tendered unconditional apology, despite strong opposition from Madhya Pradesh govt which placed some of his other offensive posts on social media. The court directed him to file the apology in Hindi in the form of an affidavit and directed the parties to complete the pleading till the next date. At the outset, advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for Malviya, informed the bench that the petitioner was offering an apology. Additional solicitor general K M Nataraj, appearing for the state, placed before the bench screenshots of other objectionable social media posts allegedly made by Malviya. The bench said that one of the posts was 'very very offensive' and could attract various provisions of Indian Penal Code. 'What is happening today, all kinds of statements are being made on social media... the language they use. There are some among the lawyer community also doing will have to do something. Lets this case be a test case,' the bench said, posting the case for after August 15.
News18
15-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘Freedom Of Speech Not Absolute': SC's Message Went Beyond Samay Raina, Hemant Malviya, Wajahat Khan
Last Updated: Comic Samay Raina, cartoonist Hemant Malviya, Wajahat Khan hearings: Over the past two days, SC heard three cases related to freedom of expression, giving one clear message Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, allowing citizens to freely express their ideas and opinions. However, then comes Article 19(2) which reminds that the freedom is not absolute. It permits the government to impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, state security, public order, decency, morality, and other concerns to maintain balance and protect public interest. Over the past two days, the Supreme Court (SC) heard three cases related to freedom of expression. The circumstances in the three and the redress sought were different, but the SC had one common message. Five social media influencers, including 'India's Got Latent' host Samay Raina, on Tuesday appeared before the Supreme Court in a case seeking action against them for ridiculing persons suffering from disabilities. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the presence of the social media influencers and asked them to file their replies to the petition. The top court asked Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, to prepare social media guidelines by keeping a balance of freedom of speech and expression and rights and duties of others. It said that the freedom of one person should not violate the rights of others and flagged that enforceability of these guidelines is the most difficult part. The apex court asked Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Centre, to prepare social media guidelines while balancing the freedom of speech and expression and the rights and duties of others. Venkataramani sought time to assist the court on the issue and said the enforceability of guidelines would require detailed consideration. 'What we are doing is for posterity. You have to ensure that not a single word is misused by anyone. You have to ensure balance. We have to protect citizens' rights. A framework must be there that the dignity of anyone is not violated," the bench said. The top court was hearing a petition filed by M/s Cure SMA Foundation seeking a prohibition on the broadcast of derogatory and denigrating content on the digital media against persons with disability. The SC asked the influencers to appear again in-person on the next date of the hearing of the case. 'Kisi ko kuch bhi bol do': SC on cartoonist Hemant Malviya who uploaded cartoons of PM Modi, RSS workers The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from arrest to Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya, who is accused of uploading 'objectionable" cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and workers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on social media. The case was being heard by a bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Aravind Kumar. While granting the cartoonist protection, the Supreme Court remarked that it was not okay to make any statement against anyone. 'Kisi ko kuch bhi bol do (Say anything to anyone). They want to become heroes," the bench said. Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the cartoonist, said, 'The person can have a critical opinion about things, it does not constitute an offence…" In response, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj remarked, 'The manner in which he has done, is clearly an offence." Justice Dhulia said one of the posts by the cartoonist is 'very, very offensive". 'What is happening today, all kinds of statements are being made. The language they use. There are some among the lawyer community also doing this. We will have to do something on this," Justice Dhulia remarked. Denying his request on Monday, the bench had said, 'This freedom of speech is being abused by this cartoonist, stand-up comedians." 'Learn to control tongue and words…else govt will have to intervene': SC on Wajahat Khan While hearing a case related to Wajahat Khan, the 30-year-old co-founder of the Rashidi Foundation, the Supreme Court on Monday said that there is freedom of speech, but this does not mean that anyone can say anything. 'Every person should learn to control his tongue and his words, especially on social media." Khan had filed a complaint against social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli over alleged defamatory social media posts. However, as his own old tweets surfaced, cases were filed against him in many states. Khan moved the SC, asking the cases to be clubbed. Khan's lawyer said that the tweets he made were just a reaction, but the court clearly asked, 'Why did you repeat the same mistake?" The court was told that he had made objectionable comments about those who worship Kamakhya Devi. The court expressed displeasure over this and said that responsibility is necessary before posting anything on social media. 'At times, people think they have the freedom to say anything on social media, but when it is misused, the matter reaches the court. This increases the pressure on the courts. The police also loses focus from the real cases. If people do not control their words, then the government will have to intervene. Nobody wants the government to keep interrupting every time. If mutual brotherhood and understanding remains in the society, then such hateful talks will reduce." The Supreme Court gave relief to Khan and has sought a response from the state government, but made it clear that this matter is not limited to just one person, but it is a big issue related to the responsibility of all citizens and the right use of social media. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : freedom of speech freedom of speech and expression Samay Raina supreme court view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Hadd hai! Kuch bhi keh loge: Supreme Court scolds cartoonist for PM, RSS posts
The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on cartoonist Hemant Malviya for sharing alleged objectionable social media content related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, but granted him interim protection from arrest.A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Aravind Kumar, however, said if Hemant Malviya continued to share offensive posts, the Madhya Pradesh government was free to take action against court also hinted at passing orders on abusive social media posts in the next hearing on the matter after August 15. Speaking in Hindi, Justice Dhulia rebuked Malviya over the posts, saying, "Hadd hai! Log kisi ko bhi, kuch bhi keh dete hain (This is too much. These days, people write anything, say anything, without caring about the language)".A case was registered against Malviya over derogatory cartoons targeting Prime Minister Modi and RSS volunteers. While the posts were made in 2021, they were shared again by some social media users recently.- Ends
