Kishorechand Wangkhem’s Arrest

The recent arrest and detention of Imphal-based journalist Kishorechand Wangkhem for calling Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh a puppet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has again raised questions about freedom of speech in the world’s largest democracy.

While Article 19(1) of India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it also imposes some restrictions through Article 19(2), including those related to security of the state, public order, and incitement of offences, among others.