an employee speaks out in the social media in a general perspective which is not inconsistent with the collective interest of the Institution, that is part of his right of free speech. No authority should expect one to be silent. Survival of public Institution depends upon how it accounts for democratic values. Free expression is the corner stone of democratic value. Every functionary of public power therefore, must command liberty to their constituents.” 14.The Hon'ble Judge in WP(C)No.31703 of 2018 dated 05.12.2018 (Dr.Prasad Pannian v. The Central University of Kerala and ors) observed as follows : “5.Posting in a Face Book or social media has become a matter of concern for public authorities. It is a matter of formulation of opinion of others. As pointed out by this Court in several judgments, in the absence of any social media guidelines, such post has to be viewed to find out whether it would be detrimental to the collective interest of the University. The expression of opinion of a teacher in regard to an action cannot be considered as a criticism. On a glance of the Face Book posting, it can be seen that the petitioner was sympathising a student who has to undergo such pain and trauma of criminalisation of his act. What would constitute a misconduct would depend upon the nature of criticism or comment. One cannot be prevented from expressing his views merely because he is an employee. In a democratic society, 11/16