‘Freedom of speech does not extend to abuse or harassment’: Pawan Kalyan on family-oriented SM posts | Today’s news
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Thursday said that while freedom of expression is a fundamental constitutional right, it does not cover abuse, threats, defamation or harassment. The Jana Sen party chief’s comments came amid a police crackdown on individuals accused of posting offensive content aimed at his daughters on social media.
“Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right under the Constitution and the government respects it. However, this freedom is not absolute. Abuse of social media is on the rise through fake accounts, personal abuse, character assassination and organized online harassment, including targeting women and religious sentiments,” Kalyan said during the launch of the Viksit Bharat-Jee Ram Ji (VB-G) program at Tiru RAM Ji (VB-G) on Thursday.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was also present in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
Police have registered cases against several individuals from Pithapuram and Eluru for allegedly posting objectionable and offensive content against the daughters of the Deputy Chief Minister on social media platforms.
The action was launched after complaints of allegedly offensive posts, and authorities are investigating social media accounts linked to the content. Further legal action is expected based on the results of the investigation.
Kalyan said freedom of expression has its own limitations and has its own legal consequences when it violates the rights of others. “Article 19(2) of the Constitution imposes reasonable restrictions in the interests of India’s sovereignty and integrity, national security, public order, decency, morality, defamation and prevention of incitement to offences.” he said.
Social media activist Prashna Ravan, who was arrested in connection with allegedly making defamatory remarks against Pawan Kalyan on social media, has been granted bail by a local court in Pithapuram. However, he was taken back into police custody in connection with another case earlier registered at Sarpavaram police station in Kakinada district, according to Pithapuram Municipal Circle Inspector.
In a video shared by the Jana Sena party on X, Pawan Kalyan emphasized that freedom of expression must be exercised within constitutional and legal limits.
“Freedom of speech does not extend to abuse, threats, defamation or harassment.”
“Today I want to talk about an issue that affects every citizen. Social media has become a part of our daily lives. It is a powerful platform to voice our opinions, raise public issues, connect with the public and people and hold governments accountable,” Kalyan said in his opening speech.
Kalyan urged people not to spread offensive or illegal content by sharing or promoting it. Instead, he urged citizens to preserve evidence and report violations to authorities. While reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting the constitutional right to freedom of expression, he said the government was also prepared to review stronger legal safeguards if necessary to curb the abuse of social media. His message was clear: democracy thrives on constructive criticism and informed debate, but freedom must always be exercised with responsibility, dignity and respect for the law.
