The rights granted under Article 19 of the Indian constitution are available to:
(A) corporate persons only
(B) legal persons only
(C) Indian citizens only
(D) non-Indians also
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees a set of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession. However, these rights are granted only to Indian citizens.
Corporate bodies or foreign nationals do not automatically enjoy these freedoms under Article 19. While legal or corporate persons may have certain rights under other provisions or laws, the specific freedoms under Article 19 are citizen-specific. This distinction ensures that the democratic rights enshrined in the Constitution reflect the nation’s commitment to its own people.
This article plays a crucial role in shaping mass communication and media freedoms in India. Journalists, media houses, and individual creators rely on Article 19(1)(a)—freedom of speech and expression—to practice and protect their rights. However, these rights come with reasonable restrictions, which the state can impose in the interests of sovereignty, security, public order, and morality.
For instance, a media outlet owned by Indian citizens enjoys Article 19 protections. In contrast, a foreign entity may not claim these rights if its content is challenged under Indian law.
This framework also affects legal challenges in communication and publishing. Courts consistently uphold that only natural Indian citizens can invoke Article 19 protections. Hence, legal strategies and constitutional claims must acknowledge this boundary.
In essence, Article 19 empowers Indian citizens alone with vital democratic freedoms, reinforcing a rights-based foundation for media, speech, and civic participation within the nation.
