The correct answer is (c), Social, Economic and Political reform.
Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution states that “Nothing in sub-clause (a) of clause (1) shall affect the operation of any existing law, or prevent the State from making any law, in so far as such law imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub-clause in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.”
The Supreme Court of India has interpreted this provision to mean that the State can impose restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression only if such restrictions are reasonable and are necessary in the interests of the aforementioned grounds.
The ground of “social, economic and political reform” is not one of the grounds that the State can rely on to justify restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression. This is because the Supreme Court has held that the freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right that is essential for a healthy democracy. The Court has also held that the freedom of speech and expression includes the right to criticize the government and to advocate for social, economic and political reform.
Therefore, the State cannot impose restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression on the ground of “social, economic and political reform”.
The other grounds mentioned in Article 19(2) are:
- Sovereignty and integrity of India
- Security of the State
- Friendly relations with foreign States
- Public order
- Decency or morality
- Contempt of court
- Defamation
- Incitement to an offence
The State can impose restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression on these grounds, but only if such restrictions are reasonable and are necessary in the interests of the aforementioned grounds.