Forfeiture of any publication, containing prohibited contents, is permitted under
(A) Finance Act, 1978
(B) Criminal Procedure Code
(C) Copyright Act
(D) Press and Registration of Books Actย
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) clearly authorizes the state government to forfeit any publication that contains prohibited content. It does not leave this power vague. Instead, it lays out a direct and active approach through Section 95.
The government issues a notification in the official gazette if it finds that a book, document, or newspaper contains material punishable under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code. These include sections on sedition, obscenity, defamation, or content that promotes enmity between different groups.
Once the government issues this order, police officers actively seize all copies of the publication. This action helps prevent the spread of harmful or unlawful content. The law, therefore, puts responsibility on authorities to act in the interest of public peace, morality, and national integrity.
However, the law does not deny people a voice. It allows the publisher or any interested party to challenge the forfeiture in the High Court. This step ensures that the process stays fair and transparent.
Thus, the CrPC ensures that the government takes swift action to stop the circulation of harmful content. At the same time, it gives individuals the right to seek legal redress.
In short, the law empowers the government to protect society while also respecting the rights of publishers through a legal process.
