Allahabad University VC Sangeeta Srivastava says Constitution gives freedom of expression, not abuse

Prayagraj: Allahabad University Vice-Chancellor Sangeeta Srivastava has said the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression but not the "freedom to abuse". Addressing the Independence Day celebrations at the university on Saturday, Srivastava claimed that educational institutions across the country were facing difficulties due to the influence of certain "anarchic elements".

"They use abusive language and try to insult every person who is contributing to the leadership of the country. Such people become victims of their abuse," she said. The VC abstained from using any names or clear references in her address. "We are the world's largest democratic country and our Constitution gives us freedom of expression.

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But we must remember that it gives us freedom of expression, not freedom to abuse. Freedom to abuse is absolutely wrong," she said. Srivastava said people even used abusive language against the prime minister and his deceased mother, questioning the erosion of traditional values and culture.

"Look around the world... We abuse the prime minister, we even abuse his mother who is no longer in this world. How unfortunate is this? Where have our traditions and values disappeared?" she said.