UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Is the Supreme Court doing enough to tackle hate speech?

Q1. In April 2026, the Supreme Court closed a batch of hate-speech PILs that had been collectively heard since 2021. How many petitions formed this batch?

  • A. 7
  • B. 11
  • C. 13
  • D. 21

Q2. With reference to the legal framework governing hate speech in India after the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, consider the following statements: 1. The BNS, 2023 introduced, for the first time in Indian criminal law, a dedicated standalone offence titled 'hate speech'. 2. Section 196 of the BNS, 2023 corresponds substantially to the erstwhile Section 153A of the IPC, 1860 on promoting enmity between groups. 3. The Law Commission of India in its 267th Report (2017) had recommended insertion of new Sections 153C and 505A in the IPC to curb hate speech. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The BNS, 2023 introduced, for the first time in Indian criminal law, a dedicated standalone offence titled 'hate speech'.
  2. Section 196 of the BNS, 2023 corresponds substantially to the erstwhile Section 153A of the IPC, 1860 on promoting enmity between groups.
  3. The Law Commission of India in its 267th Report (2017) had recommended insertion of new Sections 153C and 505A in the IPC to curb hate speech.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Consider the following as recommendations made by the Law Commission of India in its 267th Report (2017) on Hate Speech: 1. Insertion of a new Section 153C in the IPC prohibiting incitement to hatred. 2. Insertion of a new Section 505A in the IPC on causing fear, alarm or provocation of violence. 3. Repeal of Sections 153A and 295A of the IPC and their replacement with a single comprehensive Hate Speech Prevention Act. 4. Locating hate speech in expression that incites discrimination, hostility or violence against identifiable groups. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Insertion of a new Section 153C in the IPC prohibiting incitement to hatred.
  2. Insertion of a new Section 505A in the IPC on causing fear, alarm or provocation of violence.
  3. Repeal of Sections 153A and 295A of the IPC and their replacement with a single comprehensive Hate Speech Prevention Act.
  4. Locating hate speech in expression that incites discrimination, hostility or violence against identifiable groups.
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 and 3
  • C. 2 and 4
  • D. 3 and 4

Q4. In February 2026, the Supreme Court directed petitioners seeking criminal action against the Assam Chief Minister for alleged hate speeches to approach the Gauhati High Court. Which of the following judges headed the three-judge Bench that issued this direction?

  • A. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
  • B. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna
  • C. Justice Vikram Nath
  • D. Justice Sandeep Mehta

Q5. The Supreme Court first formally directed the Law Commission of India to examine and define 'hate speech' and recommend strengthening of the Election Commission's powers exclusively in which one of the following cases?

  • A. Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan v. Union of India (2014)
  • B. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)
  • C. Tehseen Poonawalla v. Union of India (2018)
  • D. Amish Devgan v. Union of India (2020)
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