Freedom

Meaning of Freedom:
Freedom involves two dimensions:

• Absence of external constraints: An individual is not subject to coercion or arbitrary control.
• Existence of conditions for development: People can freely develop their talents and creativity (Self-realisation).

Relationship between Individual and National Freedom:
Yes, there is a deep relationship.

• A nation must be sovereign (free from foreign rule) to ensure the freedom of its citizens. As seen in India’s freedom struggle, colonial rule denied basic rights to individuals.
• However, national freedom is not enough; a free nation must also have a democratic constitution to guarantee individual liberties against internal tyranny.

Negative Liberty (“Freedom From”)	Positive Liberty (“Freedom To”)
Defines an area where no external authority can interfere.	Focuses on the conditions enabling an individual to develop.
Concerned with the inviolable area of “non-interference”.	Concerned with “who governs me?” and social conditions (poverty, education).
“I am the master of my own domain.”	“I can achieve my potential only in a society.”
Thinkers: J.S. Mill, Locke.	Thinkers: Rousseau, Marx, Gandhi.

Social Constraints: These are restrictions imposed by the society or state, such as caste hierarchy, economic inequality, or discriminatory laws, which limit an individual’s choices.

Necessity of Constraints:
Yes, some constraints are necessary.

• To prevent harm: Without laws, the strong would oppress the weak (“Might is Right”).
• To resolve conflicts: In a society, people’s ambitions clash (e.g., road traffic). Constraints like traffic rules ensure everyone’s freedom to move safely.
• The Harm Principle (J.S. Mill): Constraints are justified only to prevent harm to others.

The state plays a dual role:

• Protector: It must protect individuals from external aggression and internal crime, ensuring their “Negative Liberty” is safe.
• Enabler: It should provide positive conditions (education, health, infrastructure) so that citizens can exercise their freedom meaningfully (“Positive Liberty”).
• Restraint: The state itself must be restrained by a Constitution so it doesn’t become a tyrant that crushes freedom.

Freedom of Expression: It is the fundamental right to express one’s own convictions, ideas, and beliefs freely through speech, writing, art, or other media without fear of censorship. Voltaire famously summarized its spirit: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Reasonable Restrictions:
Freedom is not absolute. Restrictions are reasonable if they protect a larger public interest:

• Defamation: One cannot use freedom of speech to destroy another person’s reputation with lies.
• Public Order & Incitement: Speech that directly incites violence or riots (Hate Speech) can be restricted.
• Morality & Decency: Obscenity in public spaces is often restricted.

Example: Banning a book just because it challenges traditional views is unreasonable (intolerance). However, banning a pamphlet that explicitly calls for killing a community is a reasonable restriction to prevent violence.