Supreme Court of India · 2018-09-05
N RADHAKRISHNAN @ RADHAKRISHNAN VARENICKAL vs UNION OF INDIA
- Citation / case number
- SC 2018/27877
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Petitioner
- N RADHAKRISHNAN @ RADHAKRISHNAN VARENICKAL
- Respondent
- UNION OF INDIA
- Author
- HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE
- Bench
- HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE, HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.M. KHANWILKAR, HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE
Judgment text excerpt
The Supreme Court emphasized the paramount importance of freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, asserting that authors have the right to express themselves creatively unless restricted by constitutionally valid laws. The Court held that banning a book on the grounds of indecency or offending sentiments is a serious infringement on this freedom, which must be protected and fostered in a civilized society. The judgment reinforces the principle that creativity should not be curtailed without substantial justification.