Right to freedom of speech and expression is in peril, says N. Ram

The right to freedom of speech and expression is in peril in various countries, including India and the U.S., N. Ram, Director, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, said in Chennai on October 17, 2025.

Speaking at the 69th anniversary celebration of The Hindu Office and National Press Employees’ Union, Mr. Ram said: “Journalists have been arrested. They [authorities] are stifling free speech, filing cases. The situation has even been worse. Our duty is to protect the journalists.”

Mr. Ram was of the view that the Supreme Court had not provided adequate protection for journalists and the right to freedom of speech and expression. “In some areas there is relief. But it is not adequate as per the provision of Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India. Not only in India, it has happened in many developed countries, particularly the United States. This is an interesting time for journalists as well as a challenging period for the media. It is a complicated situation, a mixed situation. In this situation, The Hindu Group has a special role to play. Employees who represent the larger workforce have an important role in this mission,” he said.

Pointing to a revolutionary transformation in the media in the digital age, he said: “There are many challenges, particularly in the advertising area and circulation. There is a change in readers’ habits, particularly among young people. This tends to have an impact in society and in politics.”

Stressing the need for sensitising people about ethical values in media, he pointed out that The Hindu has released a series of advertisements focusing on ethical values, against unethical practices.

Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson, The Hindu Group, said: “The Hindu has embarked on a massive digital transformation project. Whether we are in print or on a digital platform, it is our content, our production, values, and our readers that matter. The pursuit of excellence in journalism, how we adhere to our values, truth telling, credibility, secularism and all that is what is most important. Although there are constant challenges, we hope to continue to hold on to the legacy of independent journalism . And this is a matter of great pride for all of us.”

Representatives of the union expressed their solidarity, stressing the need for holding on to the legacy of independent journalism as The Hindu is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary in a few years.

The Hindu Group Directors N. Murali, N. Ravi, Lakshmi Srinath, and Rohit Ramesh; CEO L.V. Navaneeth; and Vice-President (HR) Subramanian Ramanathan participated. The Hindu Office & National Press Employees’ Union General Secretary M. Kamalanathan and Vice-President Arun Ramajayam spoke.