Tell us about yourself ?
First of all, thank you for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Tapaswini Chinara. I am from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Currently I am pursuing 5 years integrated B.A.LL.B(H) degree from University Law College, Utkal University, Vanivihar, Bhubaneswar. I am in the fourth year of my course. I belong to a nuclear family. My strength are I am self-motivated, hardworking and a disciplined person. I am planning to be a part of Odisha Judicial Service by serving as a Judge in the future. My hobbies are listening to music, cooking, quizzing and reading novels. That’s all about me. Thanks again for this opportunity.
What made you to work on providing a commentary on the case, “Shreya Singhal V. Union of India”?
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India is one of the landmark judgements of the Supreme Court which redefined law . It also introduced the concept of Internet freedom in a much clear manner by scraping out a particular section in its entirety. Shreya Singhal who was a law student at that time, by the way of PIL fought this case relentlessly to ensure that there is no misuse of power while interpreting law. This thing motivated me to do more research on the case to understand the importance of freedom of speech and expression
How would you define “freedom of speech and expression”?
Freedom of speech and expression: Everyone has different thinking and he/she should have the freedom to express themselves. One may disagree with a policy of Government or activities of an association and one is free to criticize them. This freedom of speech and expression may be exercised in different ways. One may be publicize his views through pamphlet, magazine or newspaper etc. While exercising freedom of speech and expression you can’t use it to incite people to rebel against government. Neither you can use to defame others by saying false and mean things that causes damage to a person’s reputation.
In your perspective, are restrictions on freedom of speech justified?
In my opinion, restrictions on freedom of speech and expression are quite justified. We have to remember that Freedom of speech and expression are meant to protect the rights and reputation of others and public order because protection of rights of an individual is essential for the proper functioning of the society.
Do you think that the IT Act, 2012 needs a reformation?
Yes, there needs to be reformation in the Information Technology Act with raising privacy concerns and with ever- evolving challenges in technology. Even experts have outlined the need for reformation of IT Act. The reformation is needed for the protection of citizens against use of malware, spyware, and creation of vulnerabilities in technologies such a reformation would go long way in bolstering India’s digital economy overall.
La Senatus Scriptors 