If the state stops every criticism in the name of security, which balance of rights is disturbed?

The balance between security and civil liberty

Correct answer: B. A state has a responsibility to protect people from genuine threats, but security measures must also respect civil liberty and follow law. Civil liberty includes the space to express opinions, question public policy, and criticise authorities peacefully. Stopping every criticism treats all disagreement as danger and can silence legitimate public debate. The democratic task is not to choose security or liberty as if only one matters; it is to maintain security through necessary, lawful, and proportionate measures while preserving basic freedoms. A, C, and D do not describe the constitutional or democratic issue raised by the question. A useful warning is that the word ‘security’ does not automatically justify every restriction. Memory cue: necessary protection must not become unlimited suppression.

This is a Class 9 Civics question. Chapter: Democratic Rights. Topic: Right to Freedom.