Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaced IPC on July 1, 2024, introducing new sections for abusive/obscene language
GK and monthly revision
Is abusive language a criminal offence in India? | Explained
The article analyzes the legal framework under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) regarding criminalization of abusive language, particularly in protest contexts. It examines specific BNS sections replacing IPC provisions on obscenity and public nuisance, and reviews Supreme Court and High Court rulings that balance free speech under Article 19(1)(a) with reasonable restrictions. The piece highlights how vague terminology in law leads to selective enforcement, making it critical for understanding criminal law reforms and constitutional law for competitive exams.
Source: The Hindu. This summary and analysis are AI-written from that report and are not individually fact-checked — confirm names, dates and figures with the source before you rely on them.
Revision structure
Monthly events and exam calendar context
Static GK and one-liner notes
Quiz and mock-test revision path
Key points
Exam-ready takeaways
Section 294 BNS criminalizes obscene acts/songs in public places — replaces IPC Section 294
Section 356 BNS covers criminal intimidation by anonymous communication — replaces IPC Section 507
Supreme Court in S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal (2010) held mere use of abusive words not criminal without public disorder
Kerala HC (2023) quashed FIR under IPC 294/506 for slogans during protest, citing Article 19(1)(a) protection
How to study
Turn news into exam marks
Revise monthly events by exam family instead of reading random updates.
Pair one-liners with mock tests so mistakes become the next revision list.
Note which exams each story matters for, and revise it again in the week before that exam.