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Speech On Speech And The Freedom Of Speech

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COMMUNICATION IS a fundamental human requirement and is the underpinning of all human dealings since it is the mode through which humans exchange information. The free exchange of ideas and knowledge take place when there is unrestricted full-fledged communication. It is guaranteed through the “freedom of speech and expression”, the most cherished fundamental right, as envisaged under various international covenants and most of the constitutions including the Indian Constitution. The right to freedom of expression has a wide ambit which includes the freedom to hold opinions, freedom to impart information, the freedom to receive information and even the freedom to dissent against the democratically elected governments of the day. It is also related to free thinking, imagination and deliberation which are prerequisites for a human being’s self-realisation. Moreover, it is a vital right to form a good democratic government where citizens are well informed about political happenings. Speech, according to many scholars, serves a self-fulfilment function. This theory explains that satisfaction that arises out of speech is related to the individual’s ability to think, visualise, and generate ideas. Many thinkers placed the right to free speech and expression at a higher pedestal. To Joseph Raz, communication – oral, pictorial, or musical communication of speech - is an essential right involving people to contribute in civic activities. Professor Edwin C Baker stated that speech

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