Humour and perversity: On regulatory measures to prevent vulgarity
In suggesting that the Government should come with regulatory measures to prevent vulgarity or perversity in the name of humour being aired, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of petitions by YouTubers caught in a criminal case over alleged obscenity in a digital programme. The Court has sounded the right note by calling for a discussion among stakeholders on regulations that would not impinge on the freedom of speech and expression and will be within the framework of “reasonable restrictions” permitted in the Constitution. However, such regulations may be superfluous, as existing laws provide for dealing with possible obscenity or vulgarity in electronic and digital content. That those associated with the controversial programme, ‘India’s Got Latent’, are facing FIRs and have sought protection from arrests show that the present regulations may be sufficient. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), display of content in electronic form shall be deemed to be obscene, “if it is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest”, and is a punishable offence. Similar penal provisions are available in the IT Act. The Programme Code under the Cable Television Network Rules prohibits programmes that offend decency, among other things. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provide for age-based classification and a three-tier system of grievance redress, under which users could approach the platform, a self-regulatory body and a government inter-departmental committee.
The debate between ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ humour is age-old, but the distinction is well-understood. It is only in the context of public outrage over specific instances of obscenity or vulgarity that voices are raised about the need to maintain decency and morality. In this case, the folly of the participants in making sexually perverse comments is matched by the zeal of the complainants and the police, mainly because of the content being leaked outside a paying audience. The participants may have thus rendered themselves vulnerable to prosecution, but a mature society should consider whether anyone should go to prison for such a verbal offence. The tendency to get the police to file FIRs wherever someone complains is also to be deprecated. The Internet’s universal reach should not become an excuse to confer universal jurisdiction. This often takes the case to the Court, as those named in such FIRs want multiple cases to be clubbed, leading to attention and a widening of the debate. An extreme case such as this does evoke extreme reactions, but law enforcement and legal institutions should not be overzealous in their response.
President Donald Trump’s US Congressional speech to address turbulent start to 2nd term
US President Donald Trump is all set to deliver the first address of his second term to a joint session of Congress. The speech theme set by the White House is ‘Renewal of the American Dream’. Trump’s speech is coming at a time of significant political and social division in the United States.
Trump’s address will focus on his administration’s achievements over the past month and outline his future plans. This, as per media reports, would include a push for increased funding to support his stringent immigration policies.
Senior advisor Stephen Miller described the speech as an opportunity for Trump to display his accomplishments, stated a 19 News report.
A deeply divided Congress
According to the 19 News report, Trump’s speech will be taking place in a divisive political climate. Many Democrats who oppose his policies are planning to demonstrate a protest. They are purportedly planning on inviting guests affected by his administration’s actions. This also includes former government employees, who have lost their jobs due to federal budget cuts and persons impacted by his changes to Medicaid.
Foreign policy shifts: Ukraine and the Middle East
Donald Trump is expected to address his recent decision to freeze US military aid to Ukraine. The move has reversed longstanding American support for the nation that is on war against Russia. The decision came after a recent intense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump, during the meeting, reportedly kept pressurising Ukraine to pursue peace negotiations with Russia.
Simultaneously, in the Middle East, Trump’s stance has sparked controversy, the 19 News report stated. The talks to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have stalled.
Following that, Trump suggested relocation of Palestinian civilians permanently from Gaza while proposing a US ‘takeover’ of the region. Reportedly, his approach strained relationships with key allies. It has also reversed previous US support for a two-state solution.
Economic concerns: Tariffs and trade wars
The 19 News report stated that earlier in the day, Trump implemented significant tariff hikes on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, with a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods. This is aimed at curbing fentanyl trafficking and has already triggered retaliation. This has also raised fears of an escalating trade war. Tariffs on Chinese imports were also raised to 20 per cent, deepening the economic uncertainty.
Social policies: Targeting DEI and trans rights
Trump purportedly will highlight his administration’s push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes across the US. He might also push for a roll-back of certain rights for transgender persons.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups. They argued that it undermines equality and protections for marginalised communities.
Protests and legal challenges
Protests against Trump’s policies outside Congress are expected across all states and Washington DC. The address is also coming amid legal challenges against Trump administration. Reportedly, the Associated Press has filed a lawsuit accusing officials of restricting press access over editorial disagreements.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said that he would like to frame the speech in gilded gold. He also signalled strong suppor ..