Freedom of expression, in a democracy freedom of expression is indispensable as all men are entitled to participate in the process of formulation of common decisions. Indeed, freedom of expression is the first condition of liberty. It occupies a preferred position in the hierarchy of liberties giving succour and protection to other liberties. It has been truly said that it is the mother of all other liberties. The Press as a medium of communica-tions a modern phenomenon. It has immense power to advance or thwart the progress of civilization. Its freedom can be used to create a brave new world or to bring about universal catastrophe, Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Private Ltd. v. Union of India, AIR 1986 SC 515: (1985) 1 SCC 641: (1985) 2 SCR 287.
Freedom of voting by expressing preference for a candidate is nothing but freedom of expressing oneself in relation to a matter of prime concern to the country and the voter himself, People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, AIR 2003 SC
2363: (2003) 4 SCC 399. [Constitution of India, Art. 19(1)(a)]
Freedom of expression, as learned writers have observed, has four broad social purpose to serve: (i) it helps an individual to attain self-fulfilment, (ii) it assists in the discovery of truth, (iii) it strengthens the capacity of an individual in participating in decision making, and (iv) it provides a mechanism by which it would be possible to establish a reasonable balance between establish and social change, Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) (Pvt.) Ltd. v. Union of India, (1985) 1 SCC 641: 1985 SCC (Tax) 121. See also People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, (2003) 4 SCC 399.