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The Position of Political Satire in the Sphere of Free Speech and Expression | Avinash Kotval
Updated: Jun 27, 2023
In the present, highly polarised political climate, satire as a means of political dissent is heavily regulated, which raises the question of just how free satire really is. Avinash Kotval in A Jocular Landmine: Navigating the Position of Political Satire in the Sphere of Free Speech and Expression discusses the status of political satire. The author begins with a doctrinal understanding of the fundamental nature of satire – a dual-edged sword, both ridiculing the subject, as well as attempting to trigger social change. The author then examines satire through the lens of free speech jurisprudence and the Supreme Court ruling expressly bringing satire within the protection of Article 19(1)(a); further, an attempt is made to determine the manner and extent to which satire may be regulated by formal as well as informal means. In this backdrop, the author attempts to situate satire in the free speech spectrum, suggesting the introduction of an objective standard that would allow the protection of satire as a means of dissent.
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