What are my free speech rights?

Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression, subject to reasonable restrictions for public order, decency, and defamation.

Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom of speech and expression. This includes the right to express opinions through speech, writing, printing, pictures, films, and any other medium. It also includes the right to publish, broadcast, and share information. However, this right is not absolute — Article 19(2) allows the government to impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offence. Any law restricting free speech must pass the test of reasonableness.

• Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of speech and expression)
• Article 19(2) (Reasonable restrictions on free speech)