RANJIT D. UDESHI vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Section 292 IPC, ruling it imposes reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Court clarified that the term 'obscene' is not limited to sexual content but must be assessed based on its potential to deprave and corrupt those susceptible to such influences. The appellant's knowledge of the book's obscenity is not a requisite for conviction, although it may be considered in mitigation. The conviction was affirmed, emphasizing the balance between public decency and freedom of expression.