One of the six freedoms granted to every Indian citizen in Articles 19, 20, 21 and 22 of the Constitution is the all-important freedom of speech. Yet, today, any opinion that contradicts tenuously held views on how things should be (these days, it’s decided either by politicians or religious bigots) is met with rage and threats of violence.

Kurush Dalal would know. The assistant professor with the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies, University of Mumbai, relied on his archaeological acumen to make a case against spending Rs 3,600 crore of state funds to build the controversial mid-sea statue of Shivaji Maharaj, in a column for this paper last Sunday. Since then, he has met the fate of anyone who chooses to question governing powers — vicious trolling.