“Justice Surya Kant, who held Nupur Sharma ‘single handedly responsible’ for murders committed by Jihadis, now says free speech is sacrosanct, must be ‘zealously protected’”, Opindia, May 13, 2024:
“On 10th May, Supreme Court Judge, Justice Surya Kant, stressed the importance of free speech, particularly about the press. He stated, “Freedom of speech needs to be zealously protected, especially for journalists”. Justice Kant’s comments reflected a strong defence of freedom of speech necessary for the functioning of democracy. He added, “In a democracy, if the fourth pillar (media) is weak, then the building will not be strong”.
His perspective is significant as it is a robust endorsement of the media’s role in a democratic society. It suggests that the freedom to report and express opinions is fundamental.
However, it is essential to look at his views critically, especially because he was one of the judges on the two-judge bench which heard former Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s plea to club all FIRs in the matter linked to alleged controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammed in 2022…..”
Read the full article at Opindia.com
