Can't go the China way

The Delhi HC has raked up a huge deal of controversy recently over its order to social media websites to block objectionable content. The rhetoric has reached such a crescendo that the website in question - Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogger and other - could face a ban if they do not comply.

However, the fact of the matter is that banning these sites is simply out of the question in India. We are not the communist state that China is - free speech is to be protected here, even to an extreme. Certainly, objectionable content that impinges on peace, security and national integration should be screened, but this can be done through better means than a silly ban.

The Delhi HC, with all its wisdom, must take into account that its verdict will go a long way in determining the borders of free speech in this democratic nation. Indeed, free speech is a touchstone of democracy, something that India has a proud legacy of. A delicate matter such as this must not be considered in haste.