Section 66A when a celebrated judgment of the SC cannot be implemented by the police

Freedom of speech is one the most cherished fundamental right guaranteed by our constitution. The Supreme Court of India has reiterated the importance of freedom of speech and expression both from the point of view and liberty of the individual and also from the point of our democratic government in various judgments.

In the recent landmark decision in the matter of Shreya Singhal Vs. Union of India, wherein the apex court while reaffirming the importance of the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression declared Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2010 unconstitutional for excessively and disproportionately invading the right of free speech and expression.

It has been four years since the section was stuck down but the police in various states are still booking people under the provision. It is high time that the issue is deliberated upon and requisite steps are taken to ensure that no one suffers any police action under Section 66A of the IT Act, which was declared unconstitutional four years back.