Published on : 10 Nov 2025, 3:24 pm 3 min read

The Kerala High Court recently quashed criminal proceedings against a 38-year-old-man accused of making a critical comment on Facebook about the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) [Manu S v State of Kerala].

Justice VG Arun observed that in a democracy, citizens must be free to express their opinions, even if those opinions displease the government or a section of society and mere criticism of the government cannot attract penal provisions

Restriction on free speech under Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution would come into play only when a statement reaches the level of incitement where it threatens public order, national security or the sovereignty and integrity of India, the Court underlined.

" Only if the

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