Context
A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will examine whether legislative privileges can override citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, arising from a 2003 Tamil Nadu Assembly privilege dispute involving The Hindu.
Explanation
- Article 19(1)(a) guarantees citizens freedom of speech and expression, subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).
- Articles 105 and 194 provide powers, privileges and immunities to Parliament and State Legislatures, respectively.
- Articles 105(3) and 194(3) deal with privileges of the Houses, their members and committees; legislatures may act against breach of privilege or contempt of the House.
- Legislative privileges aim to ensure the independence and effective functioning of legislatures, rather than confer personal benefits on members.
- The case concerns whether critical speech/publication outside the House can constitute breach of legislative privilege.
- The Supreme Court will examine the interplay among Article 194(3), Article 19 and Article 21.
- A Constitution Bench ordinarily consists of at least five judges under Article 145(3).
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