DGP Nagaland advocates responsible free speech

DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, has called upon citizens to exercise responsibility in their speech, expression and actions, while stressing the need to balance freedom of expression with law, public order and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement, Sharma said freedom of speech and expression, guaranteed under Art 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, remained a cornerstone of democracy. However, he pointed out that the Constitution also permits reasonable restrictions under Art 19(2) in the interests of sovereignty, security, public order, decency, morality and other specified grounds.
He observed that in a diverse country like India, and particularly in the Northeast, unrestrained and irresponsible speech or expression could quickly escalate into communal violence, misinformation, rumours and threats to public order. At the same time, he cautioned that excessive restrictions could stifle dissent and innovation.
Referring to various Supreme Court rulings, Sharma noted that restrictions on speech must have a “proximate and direct nexus” to public disorder and should not be based on remote or speculative apprehensions. He also highlighted challenges posed by the digital age, where social media enables the rapid spread of information, misinformation and hate speech.
The DGP said that in the Northeast, where ethnic, tribal and community identities remain strong, inflammatory speech or expression could ignite real-world violence and long-term hostility. He maintained that responsible behaviour and conformity to laws were not antithetical to free expression but essential for ensuring peaceful coexistence.
Sharma stressed that maintaining the balance between liberty and order required a multi-stakeholder effort involving the government, media and citizens. He urged people to exercise self-restraint, verify facts and consider the consequences of their speech and actions.
“Liberty tempered by law is not compromise—it is the essence of constitutionalism and peaceful coexistence,” he stated.