Government won’t curb honest criticism: Minister

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) Minister for Information and Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the government did not favour gagging dissent or honest criticism on social media.

Prasad told the media after the Supreme Court struck down section 66A of the IT Act: "We respect communication of ideas on social media, not in favour of curtailing honest criticism, dissent on social media."

However, he was quick to seek more time to formulate a position.

"I will come out with a proper structured comment once I receive a copy of the order of the Supreme Court, which I have been told is of some 200 pages."

Earlier, the Supreme Court ruled that section 66A violates article 19(1)a of the constitution which guarantees freedom of speech.