The Supreme Court on Friday, March 28, said freedom of expression was an “integral part” of a healthy civilised society as it cancelled an FIR filed in Gujarat against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi over a poem uploaded by him on social media.
The top court, in strong remarks against the Gujarat Police, said the offence of promoting enmity cannot be judged by the standards of “insecure people” who see everything as a threat or criticism.
“Free expression of thoughts and views is an integral part of a healthy civilised society. Without it, it is impossible to lead a dignified life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Literature, including poetry, drama, art, satire, enriches life,” a bench of Justice AS Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said.
The verdict holds importance against the backdrop of the row involving comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing a defamation case for calling Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during a parody performance.
