Take A Stand

A true secular state must ensure freedom of expression


Take A Stand

-The Times of India, January 19, 2012

India is "constitutionally bound to be secular; needs to uphold both" - the freedom of expression and the freedom of religion, urges the editor.

"It is time political parties came out strongly in defence of secularism and freedom of expression. Without these handmaidens, democracy itself is stillborn."

Stand up for Salman Rushdie

"Instead of dismissing the unlawful fatwa with the contempt it deserves, the central and Rajasthan governments have adopted an attitude that is opaque and obfuscatory."

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Stand up for Salman Rushdie: The Supreme Court has underlined in a series of verdicts, that it is absolutely vital that public authorities protect the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression in the face of intolerance and not resort to bans in the name of upholding law and order.

The Congress-led governments should have sent a clear and strong signal that they would not allow Mr. Rushdie's visit to be sabotaged by those who feigned anger and hurt with an eye to a supposedly communal vote bank. It is an insult to the intelligence and good sense of India's 160 million-strong Muslim community.