General comments by India on consideration of the resolution on Freedom of opinion and expression during the 50th Session of the Human Rights Council (13 June – 8 July, 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary 

(08 July, 2022, Geneva)

Thank you, Mr President.

   The ‘freedom of opinion and expression’ is one of the core foundations of any democratic society and polity. The right to freedom of opinion and expression enables people to be vigilant about their rights and enhances their capacity to participate in the decision-making process.

2. In this context, the draft resolution on 'Freedom of opinion and expression' is an important initiative. We are of the view that promoting the enjoyment of this right would have a multiplier impact on other rights as well. We also believe that reasonable and lawful restrictions in exercising this important right would be required to maintain peace, harmony, public order, safety and security of the people. The draft resolution has made an attempt in bringing balance to some of these requirements.

Mr. President,

3. The draft resolution also attempts to highlight the importance of preventing and combating disinformation, online and offline, in order to protect the right of freedom of speech and expression. In this connection, we recall the spirit of ‘Christchurch call for Action’ which India had joined. We believe that no one has the right to create and share terrorist and violent extremist content online.

4. We also welcome the reference to freedom to seek, receive and impart information in the text. The Right to Information Act has made a paradigm change in the working of public institutions in India. It has become a powerful tool for the people, including civil society organizations and human rights defenders, to seek information from all public institutions in India.

Thank you, Mr. President.