Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Q4. “Judicial overreach can dilute fundamental rights as much as legislative excess.” Discuss with reference to freedom of speech and expression. Explain the constitutional risks involved. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Judicial observations and interventions in recent free speech cases, especially relating to digital content, have raised concerns about judicial overreach and its implications for constitutional rights and democratic governance.Key Demand of the question
The question requires discussing how judicial overreach can dilute freedom of speech and expression in a manner comparable to legislative excess, and explaining the constitutional risks such overreach poses.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly underline freedom of speech as a foundational constitutional value and the importance of judicial restraint in its protection.Body
- Discuss how judicial overreach, by expanding restrictions beyond Article 19(2) or assuming a regulatory role, can dilute freedom of speech and expression.
- Explain the constitutional risks involved, including erosion of separation of powers, weakening of rights-based constitutionalism, and the chilling effect on democratic discourse.
Conclusion
Conclude by stressing that courts must act as constitutional guardians through principled restraint to preserve both free speech and democratic balance.
