Abusive, vulgar words alone do not amount to obscenity under IPC: SC
In its judgment, the apex court drew a clear distinction between "obscenity" and "vulgarity", saying that swear words and abusive expressions, though distasteful, cannot automatically attract criminal liability under Section 294(b) IPC. “Legally, obscenity is not synonymous with ‘vulgarity’, ‘abuse’ or ‘profanity’. Use of mere swear words, profanities and vulgar expletives, however distasteful or uncivil they may be, cannot be equated with obscenity,” the Justice Karol-led Bench observed.
FM Bharat • 7/17/2026
