The FreeSpeechCollective aims to protect the right to freedom of expression and vigorously promote free speech and the right to dissent. We aim to do this by Monitoring and documenting violations of free speech; Analyzing trends
and a spotlight on developments, news alerts and briefs; Debating issues
and analysis of major developments that impact Freedom of Expression; Providing solidarity and support to those who face attacks on their freedom of expression. We are Journalists, activists and lawyers.
By Moazum Mohammad It is 200 days since the longest-ever internet shutdown in a democracy was imposed in Kashmir. It has delivered a massive economic blow to aspiring and young entrepreneurs, and simultaneously it has discouraged young media graduates from joining the profession after watching the unparalleled nightmare […]
A schoolteacher and a parent have been in jail since January 30 for two simple lines in a school play that the police claim is seditious? Adv B T Venkatesh spoke to Geeta Seshu a day before he travelled to Bidar in Karnataka to represent the women in […]
By Geeta Seshu Sedition, a colonial-era law that should have been confined to the dustbin of history, has found new victims over the last month: over 50 participants of the Queer Azaadi March in Mumbai have been charged with sedition for allegedly raising slogans in support of JNU […]
In 1990 through the efforts of filmmakers like Mani Kaul and Director of Films Division, Shri Vijay Chandra, the Bombay International Film Festival was launched. One of its main talking points was that it did away with the requirement of censor certificates. BIFF which later became MIFF was […]
The Union government’s whitelisting of sites for residents of Kashmir is being offered as a sop for the residents, cut off from online communication since Aug 4, 2019, on the eve of the abrogation of Art 370. Rohini Lakshane and Prateek Waghre did this study on how the […]
Internet restrictions on people of the Kashmir valley will continue with some additional facilities thrown in for citizens to access the Internet but under heavy and daily supervision! As expected, the Jammu and Kashmir government conducted its ‘review’ of all orders (within four days of the Supreme Court […]
By Geeta Seshu The Supreme Court order on the Internet ban in Kashmir affirms important principles restricting the sweeping powers of the state to shut down the Internet. However, it afforded no immediate relief for the people of Kashmir and all but dismissed the impact of the crippling […]
What is the legal basis for drone surveillance and videographing of protestors, asks Geeta Seshu On January 1, 2020, Delhi police officers recorded a video of an activist participating in the anti-CAA protest rally by women of Seelampur in North-East Delhi. The police officer recorded the exchange between […]
