New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) Petitioner Shreya Singhal, who questioned constitutionality of the Information Technology Act's Section 66A on basis of its "vague wording", hailed the Supreme Court verdict on Tuesday striking it down, as protection against "blatant misuse" of the cyber law.
"I am absolutely ecstatic as the Supreme Court upheld the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.
"It is only in case of a dissenting voice or a differing opinion that one can avail his right to freedom of speech. And this verdict protects that right," Singhal told IANS.
Singhal, who is related to former union minister Kapil Sibal, the architect of the controversial cyber law, said the issue was "not political".
"It's not a political issue for me. I am related to Sibal but that connection has nothing to do with what I did," said the 24-year-old second-year law student at Delhi University who had moved the apex court in 2012 following the arrest of two girls - Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Shrinivasan - for posting comments critical of Mumbai shutdown called to pay homage to Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray who died in November 2012.
"I was so much shocked at the blatant misuse of a section worded so vaguely. It was open to misuse from the very beginning," she said.
"Social media is a platform that allows the quintessential Indian to post thoughts and diverse opinion online. How can you curb a tool like that?" she asked.
Describing social media as an "agent of change", Singhal said: "It's one thing to restrict (expression) and another thing to gag it."
Despite opposition from social media enthusiasts, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government introduced the provision in 2008.
Notwithstanding the displeasure among netizens, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance retained it after coming to power in May 2014.
"Governments, guided by their political agenda, will come and go whereas laws are here to stay. But we can't have unconstitutional law stay for long as it affected the life of a common man," said Singhal who hails from a family of lawyers and politicians.
Her mother Manali is a Supreme Court lawyer while her great-grandfather H.R. Gokhale was the law and justice minister in then prime minister Indira Gandhi's cabinet in the 1970s.
Court rejects Salman Khan's plea for adjournment
Mumbai, March 25 (IANS) A court here on Wednesday declined a plea by Bollywood actor Salman Khan to adjourn for three weeks the recording of his statement in the 2002 hit-and-run case, due to start
RCB vs KKR: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir will face each other after a year, both teams will take the field with this target
In IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. Apart from this high-voltage match, all eyes will once again be on Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. Last year,
Corona Update: 10,715 new cases were found across the country, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of cases and West Bengal has the highest number of deaths.
There is a slight decrease in new cases of corona daily in the country. On Monday, 10,715 new cases were registered. 5,533 cases were found less as compared to the previous day. The death toll from
Agneepath Scheme: Defense and Home Minister's appeal amid ruckus over Agneepath scheme, Rahul took a jibe
The ruckus continues over the Agneepath scheme. The fire of violence has spread in 11 states. From UP-Bihar and Haryana to Telangana, students are protesting violently by taking to the road. Trains
RRR : 'I was sure... Natu Natu will win... This is not my arrogance...' Keeravani said on the stage Oscar
Naatu Naatu song from the RRR movie has created another history. The Oscar Award has come in its lap. MM Keeravani gave a speech on this occasion. He said, 'I have faith. Natu Natu has the power to
Gujarat Election 2022: Kejriwal's party will get big success even after losing in Gujarat, know what will happen
Aam Aadmi Party is seen emerging rapidly in the politics of the country. After the victory in Delhi and Punjab, in the exit polls on Monday, the Aam Aadmi Party seems to be moving towards victory in
'I will come on your birthday...', the TCS manager had promised this; sister revealed big secrets about her sister-in-law.
The family is in shock due to the suicide of Agra's TCS recruitment manager Manav Sharma (28). Sister Akanksha's tears are not stopping. March 3, i.e. today is his birthday. When the brother came to
Delhi Traffic Advisory: Heavy rain in Delhi overnight, read the advisory before going to the office; avoid these routes
Due to heavy rains in the capital Delhi on Wednesday evening, the roads were submerged and there was a long traffic jam on the roads. Water filled in the underpasses at many places. Due to this, the
New Year celebration: Masks are mandatory in Bangalore, whistling in public places is prohibited; know the condition of Delhi and Mumbai
The whole country is preparing for celebrations on New Year's Eve. In such a situation, security arrangements have been tightened. Police deployment has been increased in all major cities and some
Drama over in Pakistan, action begins: 8 members of Imran's party's social media team arrested, campaigning against Army and SC
In Pakistan, 8 social media workers of Imran's party PTI have been arrested for campaigning on social media against Army Chief General Bajwa and Supreme Court judges. The Federal Investigative Agency
