NEW DELHI, Feb. 13 -- India is in an odd situation with regard to freedom of speech and expression. On the one hand, anyone who is critical of the BJP government and its ideological parent is in danger of being put behind bars without getting bail for a long time. The draconian laws like UAPA, NSA, Sedition law, Prevention of Money Laundering Act etc. are being used liberally against journalists, social activists and political opponents. Even an innocent joke can land a person in jail, being accused of offending the religious sentiments of a particular community. Movies, especially the movies in which Muslim actors play key roles, are targeted for offending the religious sentiments of the majority community.

On the other hand, hate speec...