Allowing dissent
The Hindu editorial argues that dissent is a normal part of democracy and that police action should not turn disagreement into a criminal matter.
- The Hindu editorial argues that dissent is a normal part of democracy and that police action should not criminalise disagreement.
- The Hindu editorial says the use of unlawful assembly, intimidation, arrests, and similar provisions against protest and criticism weakens democracy.
What happened
The Hindu editorial argues that dissent is a normal feature of democracy and that police action should not convert disagreement into a criminal matter. It says recent cases show a tendency to treat protest, criticism, and questioning of authority as a law-and-order problem.
Background and earlier position
UPSC may frame this as a constitutional and governance question: how should the State protect freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) while enforcing reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and maintaining public order? The issue also tests understanding of preventive policing versus over-criminalisation of protest and criticism.
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