In the winter of 2019, across India there were shouts of revolution and freedom, of the Constitution and secularism, of the freedom of speech and the right to protest non-violently. Not too long after, there were severe restrictions imposed by the government - preventing gatherings and protests, jailing student activists and even leading to a ban on protests at one point. 

But how can this be? Doesn’t our Constitution guarantee us the right to freedom of speech and expression? Aren’t peaceful, non-violent protests baked into the DNA of our nation? 

This episode explores the complicated history of restrictions on right to speech and why the right remains heavily contested in India today. Through the episode we explore the discussions on the free speech in the Constituent Assembly and the first amendment to the Constitution. 

In the winter of 2019, across India there were shouts of revolution and freedom, of the Constitution and secularism, of the freedom of speech and the right to protest non-violently. Not too long after, there were severe restrictions imposed by the government - preventing gatherings and protests, jailing student activists and even leading to a ban on protests at one point. 
But how can this be? Doesn’t our Constitution guarantee us the right to freedom of speech and expression? Aren’t peaceful, non-violent protests baked into the DNA of our nation? 
This episode explores the complicated history of restrictions on right to speech and why the right remains heavily contested in India today. Through the episode we explore the discussions on the free speech in the Constituent Assembly and the first amendment to the Constitution.

On the occasion of the 75th year of Independence, Suno India and The Equals Project are proud to release  Contested Nation, a podcast on the raging Constituent Assembly debates and the Constitution. Contested Nation explores both, the questions of identity that were being discussed in the Assembly, and the Union that was being forged outside its hallowed halls. Each episode will explore one issue that was crucial to the Constitution and the creation of India, and discuss its continued importance today.

Join us as we explore India’s founding moment!

On the occasion of the 75th year of Independence, Suno India and The Equals Project are proud to release  Contested Nation, a podcast on the raging Constituent Assembly debates and the Constitution. Contested Nation explores both, the questions of identity that were being discussed in the Assembly, and the Union that was being forged outside its hallowed halls. Each episode will explore one issue that was crucial to the Constitution and the creation of India, and discuss its continued importance today. Join us as we explore India’s founding moment!

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