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