Madras High Court says free speech no licence for unlawful online content

5 min readNew DelhiJul 29, 2026 02:30 PM IST The Madras High Court said online content targeting political leaders can invite criminal action if it amounts to a cognisable offence. (Image generated using AI)Freedom of speech is a cherished constitutional right, but it is not a licence to publish online content that may amount to a criminal offence, the Madras High Court has said, directing prompt police action on a complaint over allegedly offensive social media posts targeting a political leader. Warning that delays can erase crucial digital evidence, the court said police must respond with equal urgency to complaints about unlawful online content, regardless of political affiliation. Justice L Victoria Gowri was hearing a writ petition filed by one G Thirumurugan alias Theeran Thirumurug