Vibrant democracy needs public debates, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has asserted that “in a vibrant democracy like ours, public   discussions and debate on social issues are required” as they are necessary for smooth functioning of a healthy democracy.

This remark gives impetus to the contention of the protesters led by Anna Hazare demanding a strong Lokpal Act.

In a democracy it is not necessary that “everyone should sing the same song. Freedom of expression is the rule and it is generally taken for granted”, the court ruled in a detailed judgment relating to the state’s power to ban a film which has been cleared by the censor board.

“Such discussions on social issues bring in awareness which is required for effective working of the democracy,” a bench of justices Mukundakam Sharma and Anil R Dave said while holding that the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to curb the screening of Aarakshan on the apprehension that its caste-based theme could cause law and problem was illegal.

A copy of the judgment says when there is public discussion and there is some dissent on social issues, an informed and better   decision could be taken.

“The democracy can neither work nor prosper unless people go out to share their views,” the court warned.