Freedom of Expression is a Natural Trait of a Civilized Society

The Supreme Court on Friday observed that freedom of expression is an essential characteristic of a healthy and civilized society. It emphasized that protecting this freedom is the duty of the judiciary.

The court made these remarks while dismissing a case filed by the Gujarat Police against Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi for writing a poem. The bench stated that he had committed no offense.

The court noted that the poem he shared on social media conveyed a message of peace. Pratapgarhi had written a poem titled "Ae Khoon Ke Pyaase, Baat Suno" (Listen, You Bloodthirsty Ones) and posted it on social media after attending a mass wedding event in Jamnagar. However, on January 3, Jamnagar police registered a case against him, alleging that the poem incited hatred. Following this, he approached the Supreme Court for relief.