Freedom of expression is freedom to lie”

-as expressed by a friend, 2024

Ever since BJP-led NDA’s ascendance to power in New Delhi in 2014, Indian fourth estate, once known for independence, unshackled functioning and fierce commitment to freedom of expression finds itself badly mauled. Indian press has been reduced to rubble and debris, crushed under the bulldozer that state power has come to be. A doormat in New Delhi’s power corridors lies soiled and crumbled.  

The institution that dared to take on the infamous Emergency of 1975 eyeball-to-eyeball, and played a significant role to boot it out and tame the political ambition of its architect Indira Gandhi at least temporarily now resembles an edentulate lion.

The denailing act that undermined Indian Fourth Estate is resultant of the BJP’s well-known allergy and nervousness to different opinion and criticism, including well-meant ones. This malady of the government’s extreme phobia of forces it perceives of not toeing its line is exactly what has rendered Indian Fourth Estate cachectic and emaciated, and a sorry shadow of its once formidable self.

That Indian press has folded like an accordion before a ‘big brother’ peering down on it threateningly is evident in what is being reported as ‘news’ and opinion in the garb of ‘editorials’. And also what is not being reported lest it earn the policeman’s indignation.

Little more than a decade back, few national dailies had spaces reserved for their readers’ opinions through debates, citizen journalism, and good old letters to the editor. A lot of these have been done away with and dusted. Under orders. Delhi’s shady rulers consider them threat to their sleazy modus operandi.

 Editors who have degenerated into willing marionettes of the ‘big brother’ berry-pick letters that sing discordant and misplaced paeans of the government in power. Evidently, editors under strict orders from the big brother, and scrutinized by the same go to the extent of molding letters penned by readers to their liking. They thrust words into letter writers. I, as a smalltime writer have experienced the same. To write letters to editors is presently a belittling experience.

The hand that strangulates free speech in this country threatens social media, online news portals and blog writers. Those who express views allergic to the state run the risk of having their social media accounts wound up or policed. Online news portals are threatened with consequences should they publish material the state finds indigestible and unpalatable. Blog-writers and big-time writers who fearlessly express views considered ‘seditious’ by the state might not live to see the next day break. Like Gauri Lankesh and many others in the state she lived and ultimately died (read murdered) in.    

Blessed are the silent, for they shall live long in this land to behold their children and their childrens’ children.

If people find the government of the day not living up to their expectation, they might as well swallow their angst and grouses, and live with it. They are well advised to degenerate into intellectual cretins. Into dumb brain-deads. They are assured of a life free of threat and midnight knocks by Central agencies on their doors.

Cursed are those who speak their mind, for they shall be tormented by state agencies, and banished to Hades where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Today’s India is government by forces who function on undeclared Emergency. Leaders of opposition are incarcerated bypassing proper judicial procedures. The extinct commodity-law of the land has been relegated to dustbin of a once glorious history. Ask a certain Arvind Kejriwal, who once was the Chief Minister of Delhi. Representatives elected to Parliament are not expected to debate issues uncomfortable to the state, and show it in bad light. Microphones of opposition benches in Parliament are muted should they question the government.

Blessed are those who propagate false narrative and lies churned out by the state, for they shall be rewarded suitably.

Citizens are free to express opinions that run congruent to that of the state, even if they amount to humbug, and plain lies. Opinions those are critical of, or question the state are considered ‘lies’ in modern India. Those who voice them are termed ‘urban naxals’. Only that sounding melodious to those who are seated on power’s lap in Delhi is meant to be propagated. Even if they are false narrative.

To quote one of my good friends, ‘freedom of expression is freedom to lie.’ I dare not disclose that friend’s identity for obvious reasons!