9. Draft Constitution as published in the Gazette of India, dated 26th February 1948 with Dr. Ambedkar’s letter dated 21st February 1948 to Dr. Rajendra Prasad,President of the Constituent Assembly of India - Page 144

THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION 111

THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY, FEB. 26,1948 143

Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.

  1. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this

article, all citizens shall have the right— (a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) to form associations or unions; 5 (d) to move freely throughout the territory of

India; (e) to reside and settle in any part of the terri tory of India; (f) to acquire, hold and dispose of property; 10

and (g) to practise any profession, or to carry on

any occupation, trade or business.

(2) Nothing in sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of this article shall affect the operation of any existing law, 15

or prevent the State from making any law, relating

to libel, slander, defamation, sedition or any

other matter which offends against decency or

morality or undermines the authority or foundation of the State. 20

(3) Nothing in sub-clause (b) of the said clause

shall affect the operation of any existing law, or

prevent the State from making any law, imposing

in the interests of public order restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub-clause. 25

(4) Nothing in sub-clause (c) of the said clause

shall affect the operation of any existing law, or

prevent the State from making any law, imposing,

in the interests of the general public, restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub- 30

clause.

(5) Nothing in sub-clauses (d), (e) and (f) of the

said clause shall affect the operation of any existing

law, or prevent the State from making any law, imposing restrictions on the exercise of any of the rights 35

conferred by the said sub-clauses either in the in terests of the general public or *for the protection of

the interests of any aboriginal tribe.

(6) Nothing in sub-clause (g) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law, or 40

prevent the State from making any law, imposing in

the interests of public order, morality or health,

*The Committee is of opinion that no protection to any minor ity group is necessary in this article.