Crime & Law · India
Supreme Court: Swear words alone not obscenity under law
The Supreme Court has clarified that the use of swear words and vulgar expletives does not automatically amount to obscenity as defined under Section 294(b) of the Indian Penal Code. The court distinguished between mere abusive language and obscenity, stating that while such words might cause disgust, they do not constitute an offense unless they are accompanied by an intent to annoy or are performed in a public place. This ruling clarifies the legal scope of obscenity offenses.
How outlets across the spectrum covered it
Left 1 · Centre 9 · Right 2 n = 12
- Left (1): The Telegraph (India)
- Centre (9): Amar Ujala, Dainik Bhaskar, Deccan Chronicle, Deccan Herald, Hindustan (Hindi), Jansatta, LiveLaw, NDTV, Telangana Today
- Right (2): News18 Hindi, The Pioneer