India witnessing systematic erosion of freedom of speech: K.C. Venugopal

Congress MP KC Venugopal speaks in the Lok Sabha during the budget session of the Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Sansad TV

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal on Thursday (April 3, 2025) said India was witnessing a “systematic” erosion of freedom of speech and cited the example of the Malayalam movie L2: Empuraan which underwent voluntary cuts following protests.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Mr. Venugopal said this was an alarming crisis that threatens the very soul of Indian democracy. “The systematic erosion of freedom of speech is happening in our country. Whether it is in social media, movies or media”.

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In Kerala, we witnessed a serious attack on a movie named L2: Empuraan. “Why has that attack happened”?

“The film has got censorship certificate from the Censor Board where BJP leaders are sitting”. They (Censor Board) have given clearance for the film and the film had begun screening, but a systematic attack has happened on the actors, producers and directors of the film, the Alappuzha MP said.

“Now they have been forced to cut 24 parts in the film. Actually, it is a shame for the nation. After Censor Board gave the certificate, some people thought this is not good for them as that film narrates about Gujarat riots”, he said, adding, this was a systematic attack on the freedom of expression.

Mr. Venugopal claimed that whenever somebody is talking against the BJP or the government, they are threatened and come under attack. “This is going to ruin our democratic values”.

Following protests from right wing groups, the Malayalam movie was re-released in theatres with voluntary cuts that add up to 128 seconds of footage.