Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Ruling on obscenity

The ruling that a blanket ban on publishing obscene photographs and material in newspapers will violate the freedom of speech and expression (Dec. 13) bears testimony to the fact that the highest court is committed to protecting the freedom of the press. The Supreme Court's observations reflect its progressive thinking.

It is for the media to ensure that material that will titillate readers and viewers is not published or telecast. There are newspapers that fail to observe restraint. In this connection, I deem it fit to appreciate The Hindu for avoiding the publication of indecent pictures.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli

* * *

The argument that nudity per se is not obscenity may be theoretically correct. But when nudity is published to cater to a group of general readers, it can serve no purpose other than pandering to basal sensualities. General readers cannot view such material as doctors or sculptors do. Though a blanket ban on publishing obscene material would amount to moral policing, it is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

T. Karthikeyan,
Madurai

* * *

Newspapers are meant to disseminate information and help to increase knowledge. Thanks to commercialisation, some papers publish nude and other obscene pictures. It is obviously meant to increase circulation. The press is a pillar of democracy. It should only look at providing news transparently and objectively. Readers respect and patronise good newspapers.

Srikanth Sriramula,
Karimnagar

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