Letters to The Editor — January 31, 2026

Censorship and democracy

The order remanding the issue of grant of censor certificate to the film Jana Nayagan will only further delay its release. Apart from the producers of the film being hurt, people too would lose an opportunity to get to know what the film is all about. Freedom of expression, particularly in movies, is important for the dissemination of ideas and views. It is a right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, in S. Rangarajan vs P. Jagjivan Ram (1989), emphasises in more than one place that freedom of expression cannot be suppressed on account of threats of violence. The Court further held that such an act would “tantamount to negation of the rule of law and a surrender to blackmail and intimidation. It is the duty of the state to protect the freedom of expression since it is a liberty guaranteed by the State.”

Though a reasonable restriction can be placed under Article 19(2), it cannot supersede the right itself. The way the situation is going about, it appears as if the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression is subordinate to the restrictions imposed upon it.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai

Legends never quit

Novak Djokovic has done it again after four hours and nine minutes of tennis that pushed his body and mind to the limit. It was a testament to resilience, focus, and relentless determination. In those high-pressure moments, Djokovic did not just survive. He thrived.

A.P. Thiruvadi,

Chennai