Context
A Zero FIR was registered over alleged remarks against the Prime Minister, invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 relating to insult, public mischief and defamation. The incident has revived debate on the legal distinction between obscenity, profanity, vulgarity and protected free speech.
Explanation
- Obscenity in India is punishable under Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, covering obscene acts and songs in public places.
- Courts distinguish obscenity from profanity or vulgarity; offensive or abusive language alone is not automatically obscene.
- The Supreme Court now applies the Community Standards Test (replacing the Hicklin Test) to determine obscenity.
- Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech, subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), including decency and morality.
- Relevant BNS provisions may also include Section 352 (intentional insult), Section 353 (public mischief) and defamation provisions, each requiring specific legal ingredients.
- Zero FIR allows registration of an FIR at any police station irrespective of territorial jurisdiction.
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Obscenity under BNS