GS4 · UPSC Mains

Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.

20 marks · 250 words · 16 toppers answered this · seen 2023, 2025

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