What is the Freedom of Political Expression

Last updated on Aug 23, 2022

The Freedom of Political Expression is essential for maintaining democracy. Citizens express their political opinions from time to time by casting votes during elections, and more regularly by dissenting and criticising Government’s actions and policies. This right reinforces the idea that it is the citizens who give legitimacy to the government. It ensures accountability of the government and prevents them from stifling critical views. However, this right is subject to restrictions, and cannot extend to violence or any other activity that disrupts public order. 

The right to political expression includes:

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Please share your feedback about this post!

Sharing feedback will help us improve our content. Tell us how!

If you want to keep your feedback confidential, please mention it in your feedback. If you have a question, please ask us in the comments or Ask Nyaaya sections.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a question you want to ask our legal experts?

Related Resources

Guide on the Rights of Transgender Persons in India

This Guide discusses the general provisions in the Constitution of India, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
citizen rights icon

Political Advertisements

Advertising which is in the nature of political propaganda or pursues a political agenda, is known as political advertising. Political advertising is allowed, but regulated by the MCC.

Use of Government Property for Political Meeting and Campaigning

The political parties or candidates are not allowed to use public places like maidans, helipads, etc for holding public meetings.

Government Advertisement For Campaigning

Government advertisements should be objective, politically neutral and should not promote the political interest of the ruling party.

Advertisement on Television

TV broadcasts on elections must be on general events which are relevant and of common interest to the country, without supporting or criticizing and mocking any other candidate or political party.

Print Media and MCC

All print media including newspapers have to follow the rules under the MCC.