"> Name: Indian Court Imprisons Nobel Prize-winning Author

Date:  1995 - 2005

Location:  Asia

SubjectPolitical/Economic/Social Opinion

MediumPublic Speech , Personal Opinion


Artist: Arundhati Roy

Confronting Bodies: Government court of India

Date of Action: March 2002

Specific Location: Narmada Valley, India

Description of Artwork: The award-winning novelist, Arundhati Roy, suggested that a government panel sought to "muzzle dissent." This came while he voiced his opposition to the erection of a dam that was also protested by local farmers.



Description of Incident: Protesters in the Narmada Valley feared that their homes could be flooded if the dam is built. Roy stood beside the protesters in their objection.



Results of Incident: Roy was jailed for one day, after Justice RP Sethi said that the freedom of speech did not grant anyone license to scandalize the court or lower its dignity.



Source: Frontline, BBC

Submitted By: NCAC



FileRoom Search | Table of Contents | Category Homepage | NCAC