New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- The Delhi High Court has clarified that freedom of speech, though a fundamental right, is not unlimited and cannot be used to justify defamatory or abusive campaigns against individuals or organisations.

The Court said that the Constitution itself places reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), and the right to free expression does not cover speech that is defamatory, malicious or intended to harm the reputation and dignity of others. These observations were made after an attempt was made to defend the circulation of certain videos and social media posts by invoking the right to free speech.

The High Court observed that free expression cannot be treated as a licence to damage the standing or reputation of any p...