What Arundhati Roy espoused in Delhi & Srinagar, Azadi for Kashmir, while ridiculing the Indian Democratic set up (again) is bad. But worse is the feeble support that is emanating from the typical pseudo secular intellects of this country and some shameful Indian journalists - that her action is justifiable as she has the right of freedom of speech in this country.
I beg to differ.
Let me give you an analogy.
I was brought up in a household that gave primacy to freedom of thought and speech. I could call my father an idiot on his face. Only thing is that, he would look at me, and challenge me to prove it, or else withdraw the statement, apologize and shut up. We were entitled to have our difference of opinions, but within the unwritten framework of our immediate family. We would take strong exception if we come to know that one of us had spoken against the family outside to others. Of course, we had the freedom of thought and speech, but there were unwritten boundaries, which we were not expected to cross - and cross we daren't. You just dont enjoy the privileges the family affords, without behaving responsibly.It was unsaid but understood.
As per constitution of India, “the right to freedom of speech and expression” resides in Article 19(1) a. However, this right is subject to restrictions under sub-clause (2), whereby this freedom can be restricted for reasons of “sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, preserving decency, preserving morality, in relation to contempt, court, defamation, or incitement to an offence”. Now, Arundhati Roy has clearly violated sub-clause (2). The punishment as per lay is imprisonment for life, with or without additional fine.
As per constitution of India, “the right to freedom of speech and expression” resides in Article 19(1) a. However, this right is subject to restrictions under sub-clause (2), whereby this freedom can be restricted for reasons of “sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, preserving decency, preserving morality, in relation to contempt, court, defamation, or incitement to an offence”. Now, Arundhati Roy has clearly violated sub-clause (2). The punishment as per lay is imprisonment for life, with or without additional fine.
Arundhati Roy is entitled to her view point that the State has failed the poor or even the Kashmiris (though they have been actually pampered). She claims to represent the poor and the downtrodden. Fine. In India, 60% belong to that category. If that were so, let her stand for election as a MP , win , gain credibility and raise her voice in the Parliament. Or let her form a social movement, political party and use legitimate ways to pursue her cause (assuming she has one, other than self propaganda). But she is taking pot shots at the Government, pampered by an indulgent media. This is abuse of authority without a shred of responsibility.
It is sad that Government decided not to prosecute her. I really wish someone would file a PIL and the Supreme Court put her in a slammer, and make an example for others of her ilk.
