Aisiri Raj
Freedom of speech and expression, including creative & artistic expression, is an inherent right. However, this right has been subject to two modes of censorship, i.e., limitations imposed by statutes and restrictions by public opinion. The restrictions to an individual’s fundamental right to speech and expression by a group of people who believe it be against their ideals gives rise to Heckler’s Veto. The paper provides an overview of the evolution of the doctrine of Heckler’s Veto in the United States and seeks to provide a proposition for its application to the free speech jurisprudence in India. The paper specifically focuses on the hindrances to cinematic expression due to the use of public order restrictions under the Indian Constitution that is generally used to curtail the freedom of expression due to an apprehension or actual breach of public order caused by the mobs.
Cite as : Raj A, “Heckler’s Veto and the Threat to Cinematic Freedom in India” (2021) I DNLU Student Law Journal <https://dnluslj.in/hecklers-veto-and-the-threat-to-cinematic-freedom-in-india/>.