This paper attempts to illustrate how film censorship as a practice, hampers the ‘free’ usage of the right to free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. To undertake this research objective, reliance has been placed on the judiciary’s track record in handling censorship cases. The findings of this paper show that even while the judiciary has recognised that cinema falls under the ambit of Article 19(1)(a), it has not always been proactive in advocating in favour of the right to free speech and in fact, has often justified censorship by giving certain reasons, which nevertheless seem problematic. When the judiciary takes such steps, it not only cripples the right to free speech and expression but also frightens and raises inhibitions in the minds of the citizens, and thereby giving rise to consequences. Therefore, by using judicial pronouncements from various landmark judgements, this paper highlights that right to free speech in censorship cases has not been a value dear to judiciary as it has more often than not, favoured censorship, thereby showing how censorship acts as a constraint in being able to freely exercise right to free speech. Further, the paper also unveils the ramifications of such actions of the judiciary alongside discussing some of the recent debates on film censorship and the right to free speech.