Freedom of speech is like having a superpower. It lets us shout our opinions from the rooftops, challenge the norm, and even spark change. But just like any superpower, there’s a catch: with great power comes great responsibility.
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In India, where our voices are as diverse as our cuisine, we celebrate the right to speak up. However, this right isn’t a free pass to say anything just to sound cool or to deliberately hurt others.
Take, for example, the case of the “India’s Got Latent” show—a crass comedy program known for its dark humor that appeals to an audience with a high tolerance for edgy jokes. On February 9, during one of its episodes, Ranveer Allahabadia made a remark that many found distasteful. His offhand comment made everyone on the show raise their eyebrows, and before long, the statement went viral on the internet. Suddenly, what was meant as edgy banter turned into an emotional hot potato, especially for many in our country who hold parents in the highest regard—a sacred pedestal not meant for ridicule or jokes.
Now, you might wonder: why would someone say something like that? Perhaps it was an attempt to grab a bit of spotlight, or maybe it was a simple case of not reading the room correctly and blurting out the first thing that popped into their mind.
In a world where every word is instantly shared online, the impact of such statements can quickly spiral out of control. While the youth seem to engage actively with such content, there’s also a sizable older audience that finds humor in these jokes. Whether it’s Ranveer’s comment or another off-color joke from a comedian, the line between edgy humor and going too far can be as thin as a Bollywood plot twist.
The debate here isn’t just about comedy or controversy—it’s about understanding how much is too much and where exactly we draw the line. Freedom of speech is the spice in our everyday conversations; it keeps our democracy buzzing and makes life interesting. It allows us to question, laugh at, and even poke fun at the system. But like any spice, if you use too much, it can spoil the dish. When free speech is misused—whether it’s to spread hate, misinformation, or just to shock for the sake of attention—it can create chaos instead of healthy dialogue.
In India, our laws are designed to protect free speech while also setting reasonable limits to prevent things from getting out of hand. Some argue that these limitations might stifle genuine debate, while others see them as necessary for keeping public discourse respectful and safe. It’s a delicate balancing act—one that requires us to think before we speak and to consider the impact of our words.
Social media, where every tweet or post can be amplified like a cheer in a cricket stadium, has made this balance even more challenging. The digital age has given everyone a megaphone, but it has also made it easier for harmful speech to spread like wildfire. Some people use their freedom of speech as a tool to score political points or to spread negativity, rather than to foster constructive conversation.
At the end of the day, speaking your mind is a right we all treasure. It’s what makes our society dynamic and full of life. However, it’s equally important to remember that our words carry weight. Let’s keep our conversations real and respectful, using our superpower wisely and not turning our words into weapons. Striking the perfect balance between free speech and responsibility isn’t just smart—it’s essential for keeping our dialogue vibrant and our community united.
(The author is the Commissioner of Police, Guwahati and STF Chief, Assam. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author's own)