• Law
College

On which of the following grounds can the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression not be restricted under Article 19(2) of the constitution?

a) Public order
b) Morality
c) Security of the State
d) Decency or defamation

Answer :

Final answer:

All the options provided—public order, morality, security of the state, decency or defamation—are recognized grounds under Article 19(2) where the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression can be restricted; therefore, none of them is an exception to restrictions.

Explanation:

The question at hand concerns the conditions under which the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression can be restricted, as outlined in Article 19(2) of a constitution. According to this article, several grounds are stipulated on which this right can be curtailed to protect various interests of the state and its citizens.

These include the security of the state, public order, decency, morality, and to prevent defamation. Importantly, freedom of speech and expression is not an absolute right, and defamation (which can occur in the form of libel or slander) is a scenario where speech can be restricted.

Decency and morality are also recognized grounds for placing limitations on speech. Hence, none of the options provided in the question (public order, morality, security of the state, decency) reflect situations where the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression cannot be restricted under Article 19(2).