Ramji Lal Modi v State of U.P. (1957)

BNS · Offences Against the State

Facts.

A challenge to s.295A (deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings) as violating free speech.

Issue.

Is punishing insult to religion a valid restriction on Article 19(1)(a)?

Held.

Yes. s.295A punishes only deliberate and malicious insults intended to outrage religious feelings — a reasonable restriction under Art. 19(2); it does not touch honest criticism.

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