RE-RAMLILA MAIDAN INCIDENT DT 4/5.06.11 vs HOME SECRETARY AND ORS.

The Supreme Court examined the principles governing Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India, alongside the restrictions under Articles 19(2) and 19(3). The Court emphasized the necessity of balancing individual rights against public order when exercising jurisdiction under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The judgment reaffirmed the importance of free speech while recognizing that it is not absolute and must be weighed against other societal interests, establishing a legal principle of 'balancing of interests' in the context of civil liberties.