We're in a country where everything you say will offend at least someone, somewhere. We need to start thinking more seriously about the right to offend. Tanmay Bhat, the co-founder of comedy troupe All India Bakchod, posted a Snapchat video mimicking singer Lata Mangeshkar and former Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Bhat used a Snapchat feature which allows him to morph his face with theirs, which any Snapchat user can do. Since then, this has spiralled into what appears to be a national outrage, with news channels and political mobs whipping up public sentiment against the parody and mimicry. Political parties have filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Mumbai police, and have probably planned a few days of outrage. The police has asked for the video to be taken down. A few points: 1. Reminiscent of 66A, but what will the police do? Did Bhat cause the public disorder? A few years ago, two girls in a town called Palghar were arrested for questioning the need for a holiday after a politician died. Public pressure forced the police to put them in jail, charged under Section 66A. Section 66A was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India, a year ago, so the police can't charge Bhat under that rule any more. It's likely that they'll find provisions in the IPC or the CRPC, related to public order, and charge Bhat. However, Bhat isn't responsible for the public disorder: the political parties are, the mobs are, perhaps even some news channels…
