Communalism & Social Frictions in India

Understanding a profound threat to national cohesion and internal peace.

Introduction & Summary

Communalism and the resulting social frictions represent a profound and persistent threat to India's secular fabric, national cohesion, and internal peace. Driven by a complex interplay of historical grievances, political opportunism, and socio-economic disparities, communalism manifests in dangerous forms such as hate speech, online polarization, and inter-group violence. The digital age has exacerbated these challenges, amplifying divisive narratives and facilitating rapid mobilization. This module delves into the definition and causes of communalism, analyzes the insidious role of hate speech and polarization, and examines the destructive impact of inter-group violence. Crucially, it outlines the multi-faceted roles of both the state and society in promoting harmony, strengthening the secular ethos, and implementing legal and community-based measures to mitigate these corrosive challenges.

Core Content: Key Challenges

10.3.1 Definition of Communalism

Definition: Communalism, in the Indian context, refers to a political ideology or phenomenon which uses religious identity as the primary basis for social and political organization, often leading to antagonism, hostility, and discrimination against groups of different religious identities. It fosters a sense of 'us vs. them' along religious lines. It is primarily a political doctrine, not a religious one. (Source: NCERT Class 12 - Politics in India Since Independence; Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence).

Causes:

  • Historical: Legacy of colonial 'Divide and Rule' policies, partition, and selective interpretation of historical grievances.
  • Political: Political opportunism by leaders or parties exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gains, use of religious symbols, mobilization.
  • Socio-economic: Perceived or actual economic disparities, competition for resources, unemployment exploited by communal forces.
  • Religious Fundamentalism: Rigid, dogmatic, and intolerant interpretations advocating for theocratic state or exclusive dominance.
  • Lack of Inclusive Growth: Failure of development benefits to reach all sections, leading to grievances that can be communalized.

Impact on National Cohesion and Internal Peace:

  • Fragmenting Society: Divides society along religious lines, eroding social trust.
  • Violence and Instability: Leads to communal riots, mob lynching, disrupting public order.
  • Undermining Secularism: Challenges constitutional principle of secularism, a foundational pillar.
  • Hindering Development: Diverts attention/resources, creates insecure environment deterring investment.
  • External Exploitation: Can be exploited by hostile external actors to destabilize India.

10.3.2 Hate Speech and Polarization

Hate Speech:

Definition: Public speech that expresses hatred or encourages violence towards a person or group based on factors like religion, ethnicity, caste, etc.

Impact: Normalizes prejudice, incites violence, silences minority voices, creates climate of fear.

Legal Provisions (IPC): Sec 153A (Promoting enmity), Sec 295A (Outraging religious feelings), Sec 505 (Statements conducive to public mischief).

Polarization:

The process by which public opinion divides into two opposing extremes.

Online Platforms (Amplifiers):

  • Amplification: Social media acts as force multipliers for hate speech and disinformation.
  • Anonymity: Provides cloak of anonymity for perpetrators.
  • Echo Chambers: Algorithms reinforce biases, making individuals susceptible to radicalization.
  • Targeted Disinformation: Use of fake news, deepfakes, AI-generated content.

Other Roles:

  • Political Actors: Incitement by politicians for electoral gains.
  • Media: Sensationalist reporting, biased coverage, lack of verification.
  • Foreign Influence: Hostile external actors leveraging communal fault lines.

10.3.3 Inter-group Violence

Mob Lynching:

Definition: Targeted violence by a mob against a person perceived to be guilty of a crime or violating norms, often without due process.

Causes: Rumors (social media), cow vigilantism, caste-based animosity, child abduction rumors.

Impact: Gross violation of human rights, erosion of rule of law, fear psychosis, national shame. (Source: NCRB data, Supreme Court directives (e.g., Tehseen S. Poonawalla case 2018)).

Riots:

Definition: Large-scale public disturbances involving violence, often communal or ethnic, leading to destruction, injury, loss of life.

Causes: Communal polarization, political instigation, breakdown of law and order, quick mobilization via social media.

Impact: Severe human and economic cost, deep societal divisions, long-term psychological trauma.

Challenges in Law Enforcement and Justice Delivery:

  • Delayed Response: Slow police response.
  • Identification of Perpetrators: Difficulty in apprehending mob members.
  • Witness Intimidation: Fear of reprisal.
  • Lack of Political Will: Interference in investigation/prosecution.
  • Low Conviction Rates: Leading to sense of impunity.
  • Inadequate Legal Frameworks: For specific crimes like mob lynching.

10.3.4 Role of State and Society

Combating communalism requires a multi-pronged approach involving both state action and societal engagement.

Role of State:

  • Promoting Harmony: Active promotion of communal harmony, tolerance, pluralism.
  • Inclusive Growth: Equitable development, addressing disparities, protecting rights.
  • Strengthening Secular Fabric: Upholding constitutional secularism, impartiality.
  • Legal Measures: Strict enforcement of IPC Sections (153A, 295A, 505), IT Rules 2021.
  • Strengthening Police: Modernization, training, intelligence, riot control.
  • Fast-track Courts & Witness Protection: For communal violence cases.
  • Police Reforms: Implementing Prakash Singh judgment directives.
  • Rehabilitation: Providing relief and rehabilitation to victims.

Role of Society:

  • Community Dialogue: Promoting inter-faith dialogue, peace committees.
  • Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Grassroots work, fact-checking, combating misinformation.
  • Media Responsibility: Ethical, balanced reporting, fact verification.
  • Educational Institutions: Promoting secularism, tolerance, critical thinking.
  • Religious Leaders: Promoting peace, understanding, condemning hate speech.
  • Youth Engagement: Channelizing energy constructively, digital literacy.
  • Active Citizenship: Reporting hate speech, demanding accountability.

The Vicious Cycle of Communalism

Communalism often follows a destructive cycle, fueled by various interconnected factors.

Historical Grievances & Disparity

Selective interpretations, economic inequalities.

Political Exploitation & Hate Speech

Polarization for electoral gains, online amplification.

Rumor Mongering & Disinformation

Fake news, social media incitement, mob formation.

Inter-group Violence & Impunity

Riots, mob lynching, breakdown of law & order.

Prelims-ready Notes

  • Communalism Definition: Political ideology using religious identity for antagonism.
  • Causes: Historical (Divide & Rule, Partition), Political opportunism, Socio-economic disparity, Religious fundamentalism, Lack of inclusive growth.
  • Impact: Fragments society, Violence, Undermines secularism, Hinders development, External exploitation.
  • Hate Speech & Polarization: Hate Speech (expresses hatred, incites violence), IPC Sections (153A, 295A, 505), Online Platforms (Amplification, anonymity, echo chambers, fake news, deepfakes), Role of Political actors, Media, Foreign influence.
  • Inter-group Violence: Mob Lynching (targeted violence, rumors, cow vigilantism - SC directive: Tehseen S. Poonawalla), Riots (large-scale public disturbance), Challenges (Delayed response, identifying perpetrators, witness intimidation, political will, low conviction rates).
  • Role of State: Promoting harmony, Inclusive growth, Strengthening secular fabric, Legal measures (IPC, IT Rules 2021), Fast-track courts, Police reforms, Rehabilitation.
  • Role of Society: Community dialogue (inter-faith, peace committees), Civil Society, Media responsibility, Educational institutions, Religious leaders, Youth engagement.

Summary Table: Communalism & Social Frictions

Aspect Key Features / Causes Impact / Consequences State Response (Legal/Policy) Societal Response (Community/Other)
Communalism Political use of religion, Divide & Rule, Economic disparity, Fundamentalism Erosion of cohesion, Violence, Undermines secularism Promoting harmony, Inclusive growth, Legal measures (IPC, IT Rules), Police reforms Community dialogue, CSO role, Media responsibility, Education, Religious leaders
Hate Speech Online platforms, Political actors, Media, Foreign influence Incites violence, Polarizes, Erodes trust IPC 153A/295A/505, IT Rules 2021, Fast-track courts Digital literacy, Fact-checking, Counter-narratives
Inter-group Violence Mob Lynching, Riots (Rumors, Instigation, L&O breakdown) Loss of life/property, Fear, Impunity Law enforcement (prompt action), Justice delivery (witness protection, conviction) Active citizenship, Peace committees

Mains-ready Analytical Notes

  • Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech Regulation: Tension between Article 19(1)(a) and 19(2). Debates on clear definitions, enforcement, platform accountability.
  • Police Neutrality and Political Interference: Efficacy questioned due to bias, delayed response, political interference. Focus on police reforms (Prakash Singh judgment).
  • Role of Social Media in Amplifying Polarization: How algorithms and rapid dissemination exacerbate issues. Debates on platform responsibility, content moderation, government intervention (IT Rules 2021).
  • Addressing Root Causes vs. Law Enforcement: Debate on primary solution: socio-economic development (soft power) vs. stringent law enforcement (hard power). Balanced approach advocated.
  • From Physical Riots to Online Mobilization: Shift towards online rumor-mongering and hate campaigns.
  • Weaponization of Disinformation: Increasing use of fake news, deepfakes, AI-generated content.
  • Identity Politics: Continual exploitation of religious identity for political mobilization since colonial times.
  • Judicial Activism: Supreme Court increasingly intervening with directives on hate speech and mob lynching.
  • Rise of Mob Lynching: Disturbing recent trend, often linked to social media rumors, indicating breakdown of rule of law.
  • Delhi Riots (2020): Recent example of severe communal violence fueled by online disinformation and hate speech.
  • Online Extremism: Growth of various forms of online extremism (religious, ethno-nationalist) contributing to tensions.
  • G20 Discussions on Disinformation (2023): India championed discussions on countering disinformation, recognizing its impact on social cohesion.
  • FATF and Terror Financing: While not direct, foreign elements exploit communal fault lines, and terror financing can flow through such channels.
  • NCRB Data on Riots/Mob Lynching: Recent reports highlight trends and geographical spread.
  • Supreme Court Directives on Mob Lynching (Tehseen S. Poonawalla case, 2018): SC guidelines for prevention, including nodal officers and fast-track trials.
  • IT Rules, 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines): Government's attempt to regulate social media for content moderation.
  • State Police Social Media Cells: Many states track and respond to hate speech and communal rumors.
  • "Sarva Dharma Sambhava" Initiatives: Various inter-faith dialogues promoting harmony.
  • Constitutional Secularism: A foundational principle to protect.
  • National Integration: Communalism directly threatens it.
  • Police Reforms: Crucial for impartial law enforcement.
  • Media Literacy: Empowering citizens to discern fake news.
  • Legal Framework: IPC, IT Act, CrPC.

Current Affairs and Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)

G20 Leaders' Declaration (2023)

Included commitments to addressing misuse of ICTs for spreading misinformation and disinformation, crucial for countering communal polarization.

Source: G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration

Review of IT Rules, 2021

Ongoing discussions and potential amendments concerning grievance redressal and due diligence by intermediaries, to refine content moderation against hate speech.

Source: MeitY, media reports

I4C's Role in Combating Online Hate Speech

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre intensified work in identifying, analyzing, and coordinating action against online hate speech and communal content.

Source: MHA, I4C, 2022-23

State-level Anti-Lynching Laws

Some states (e.g., Rajasthan, West Bengal) enacted specific laws against mob lynching, reflecting legislative efforts to address this challenge.

Source: State Legislatures

Police Sensitivity Training

Many state police departments conducting specialized training for personnel to enhance sensitivity towards diverse communities and improve riot control.

Source: BPR&D, State Police, 2022-23

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs

1. UPSC CSE 2018:

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is a nodal agency for dealing with cyber security threats in India.
  2. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: (a)
Hint: Relevant to the role of IT in amplifying communalism. NCIIPC is under NTRO.

2. UPSC CSE 2017:

Which one of the following is the most appropriate statement with regard to the concept of "Public Order" in India?

Answer: (a)
Hint: Communal violence directly impacts 'Public Order', which is a State List subject (Entry 1 of List II).

3. UPSC CSE 2020:

"WannaCry", "Petya" and "EternalBlue" are terms associated with:

Answer: (b)
Hint: While these are specific cyberattacks, the broader context of cyber threats is relevant to understanding online polarization and information warfare.

Mains Questions

1. UPSC CSE 2018 GS-III:

"The recent incidents of widespread violence in our country suggest that the problem of Communalism has not been fully contained. Discuss the factors responsible for this and analyse the role of media and social media in aggravating communalism."

Direction: This question directly asks for the causes of communalism and the role of media/social media (which is a key aspect of 'Hate Speech and Polarization'). Discuss historical, political, socio-economic factors and how online platforms amplify hate speech and misinformation.

2. UPSC CSE 2019 GS-III:

"Cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue but a complex national security challenge. Elaborate with suitable examples."

Direction: This provides an opportunity to discuss how information warfare, involving the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, leads to communal polarization and impacts social cohesion.

3. UPSC CSE 2020 GS-IV (Ethics):

"Corruption is the root cause of many problems including crime, internal security and poor development. Critically analyze the statement."

Direction: While focusing on corruption, this question could be linked to communalism as political corruption might involve exploiting communal divisions for electoral gains, which then leads to social friction and impacts internal security.

Trend Analysis (UPSC Questioning)

Over the last decade, UPSC's questioning on Communalism and Social Frictions has evolved:

Prelims Trends

  • Consistent Relevance: Regular feature testing constitutional aspects ('Public Order'), legal provisions (IPC sections on hate speech), and current terminology (mob lynching).
  • Role of Technology: Increasing focus on social media's role in amplifying communalism and polarization.
  • Recent Events: SC directives (Tehseen S. Poonawalla), major riot reports are often tested.

Mains Trends

  • Focus on Underlying Causes: Demands analysis of root causes (historical, political, socio-economic, fundamentalism).
  • Role of Media/Social Media: Strong emphasis on how digital platforms exacerbate communal polarization and are used for hate speech/disinformation.
  • Solution-Oriented: Expected to suggest comprehensive measures (state: legal, policy, police reform; societal: community dialogue, media responsibility, education).
  • Governance Linkage: How weaknesses in governance and justice delivery contribute.
  • Inter-linkages: How communalism can be exploited by external actors or linked to other internal security threats.

Original Practice Questions

Original MCQs for Prelims

1. Which of the following sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) are specifically designed to address offences related to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race, and outrage of religious feelings?

  1. Section 124A (Sedition)
  2. Section 153A (Promoting enmity between groups)
  3. Section 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings)
  4. Section 505 (Statements conducive to public mischief)

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Answer: (b)
Explanation: Sections 153A, 295A, and 505 directly deal with various forms of hate speech and acts promoting enmity or outrage religious feelings. Section 124A deals with sedition, which is distinct.

2. The landmark Supreme Court judgment in the Tehseen S. Poonawalla vs. Union of India case (2018) is primarily related to directives concerning:

Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Tehseen S. Poonawalla judgment issued specific guidelines and recommendations to the central and state governments to prevent and respond to mob lynching incidents.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

1. "Communalism, exacerbated by the digital age, remains a potent threat to India's national cohesion and internal peace. Analyze the role of online platforms, including misinformation and disinformation, in amplifying communal polarization and inciting inter-group violence. Suggest concrete strategies for the state and civil society to collaboratively build a more resilient and harmonious digital society."

Key Points/Structure:
  • Introduction: Define communalism and highlight its heightened threat due to digital platforms.
  • Role of Online Platforms: Rapid Dissemination, Anonymity, Echo Chambers, Targeted Disinformation (deepfakes, AI), Mobilization, Global Reach.
  • Impact: Deepening divides, increased mob lynching/riots, erosion of trust, social unrest.
  • Concrete Strategies (Collaborative):
    • State Role: Legal Framework (IPC, IT Rules, anti-lynching laws), Law Enforcement (modernization, prompt response, cyber forensics, witness protection, fast-track courts), Strategic Communication, Police Reforms.
    • Civil Society Role: Fact-Checking, Digital Literacy, Community Dialogue, Responsible Media, Religious Leaders, Youth Engagement.
  • Collaboration: Between government and tech platforms, intelligence sharing, public awareness.
  • Conclusion: Emphasize sustained, multi-stakeholder, adaptive approach combining legal stringency with societal resilience and digital empowerment.

2. "The rise of mob lynching incidents in India signifies a dangerous erosion of the rule of law and poses a serious threat to national integration. Analyze the underlying causes contributing to this phenomenon and discuss comprehensive measures that the state needs to undertake to prevent such incidents and ensure justice."

Key Points/Structure:
  • Introduction: Highlight mob lynching as grave concern, breakdown of law & order, threat to national integration.
  • Underlying Causes: Rumor Mongering (social media), Communal Polarization, Breakdown of Trust in Justice System, Political Instigation/Patronage, Hate Speech, Lack of Police Response, Impunity, Social Intolerance.
  • Comprehensive Measures by State:
    • Strong Deterrence: Special Anti-Lynching Laws (stringent penalties), Strict Enforcement (prompt arrest, investigation, prosecution).
    • Law Enforcement Preparedness: Nodal Officers (Tehseen S. Poonawalla), Intelligence, Police Sensitization, Social Media Monitoring.
    • Justice Delivery: Fast-Track Courts, Witness Protection, Accountability for dereliction of duty.
    • Addressing Root Causes: Counter-Narratives, Community Engagement, Digital Literacy, Political Will.
  • Conclusion: Multi-pronged strategy combining strict law enforcement and quick justice with societal commitment to constitutional values and human dignity.