In recent years, the debate around banning pornographic websites in India has gained significant attention. The government ordered Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), and other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to 13 pornographic websites, arguing that exposure to pornography negatively impacts children and young adults. However, this decision sparked mixed reactions within society.

The Two Schools of Thought on the Porn Ban

This debate has led to two distinct viewpoints in society.

1. The Conservative Perspective

Many traditionalists and cultural advocates believe that pornographic content corrupts the minds of young individuals and leads to moral degradation. They argue that, to preserve Indian culture and values, such content should be restricted. For them, pornography represents a deviation from the moral standards that define a healthy society.

2. The Progressive Perspective

On the other hand, modernists and social activists argue that in today’s digital age, everything is accessible. People should have the freedom to choose what they consume. Banning content based on cultural arguments is seen as an outdated and restrictive approach that does not align with individual rights and global internet norms.

Should Porn Be Banned in Society?

Sex as a Natural Process

Sex is not just a source of pleasure but a fundamental part of life itself. Experts argue that sex is an essential, natural activity, and labeling it as immoral is an unrealistic approach. If sex were truly a corrupting force, human civilization itself would be in jeopardy.

However, excessive indulgence in anything—including pornography—can be harmful. But this applies to all aspects of life. For example:

• Consuming excessive food can lead to obesity and health issues.
• Taking too much medication can cause severe side effects.
• Overuse of mobile phones can impact mental health.

Therefore, rather than banning pornography outright, the focus should be on promoting responsible consumption.

Supreme Court’s Verdict on Pornography

The Supreme Court of India addressed this issue when a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed seeking a complete ban on pornography. The petition argued that pornographic content was a leading cause of crimes against women and children.

The court, however, rejected the plea, stating that "What a person watches in the privacy of their room cannot be controlled by the state." The Right to Personal Liberty, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, protects an individual’s freedom to make personal choices without undue interference from the government.

Interestingly, India is the land of the Kamasutra, an ancient text that explores human sexuality in great detail. Thus, the idea of banning pornography due to cultural concerns appears contradictory to India’s own historical legacy.

Does Pornography Contribute to Crime?

One of the primary arguments for banning pornography is that it encourages sexual crimes. However, when presented in court, this claim was dismissed due to lack of concrete evidence.

If pornography truly led to an increase in crimes, then countries with the highest porn consumption, such as the United States, should have the highest crime rates. However, crime statistics do not support this assumption.

Statistics on Porn Consumption in India

According to a Google survey:

• Three out of five mobile users in India watch pornographic content.
• 50% of smartphone users in the country access porn websites.
• The average time spent watching porn in India is 4.31 minutes, while in Uttar Pradesh, it is 7.11 minutes, and in Delhi, it is 8.02 minutes.
• Women are also active consumers of porn, with 25% of Indian women watching porn, compared to the global average of 23%.
• The most-watched pornographic content in India includes Sunny Leone’s films and terms like "desi" and "bhabhi" are among the most searched keywords.

Society’s Contradictory View on Sex and Porn

India’s Double Standards on Sexuality

Despite having a deep-rooted history in sexual literature (such as the Kamasutra), discussions about sex remain taboo in Indian society. If a child asks a question about sex, parents often scold them or change the topic instead of providing a rational answer.

Secret Consumption of Sexual Content

Sexual curiosity is not new. In earlier times, people secretly read books on sexuality. Young individuals would often steal books from their father’s shelves to learn about sex. Today, the medium has changed—instead of books, people now access pornographic websites.

Does Watching Porn Lead to Moral Decline?

If watching porn leads to moral and intellectual decline, then we must ask:

• Did successful scientists, doctors, engineers, authors, or poets never read about or watch sexual content?
• Did watching porn prevent them from achieving their goals?
• Has pornography caused the downfall of developed nations where access to such content is unrestricted?

It is clear that watching porn does not inherently lead to a decline in intelligence or morals. Like any other form of entertainment, its impact depends on how an individual consumes it.

Pornography: Entertainment or Social Evil?

For most people, pornography is simply a form of entertainment, much like watching movies or TV shows. Different individuals cope with stress in different ways:

• Some play video games.
• Some listen to music.
• Some engage in exercise.
• Some watch pornography.

Doctors even suggest that having a healthy understanding of sexuality can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. If watching or reading about sex led to corruption, then Western nations would have the most morally bankrupt societies. However, this is not the case.

Conclusion

The arguments in favor of banning pornography are based on culture, morality, and crime prevention. However, these arguments fail when examined logically:

1. Freedom of Choice: Every individual has the right to personal liberty under the Constitution.
2. No Direct Link Between Porn and Crime: Studies and court rulings have rejected the claim that pornography increases criminal activity.
3. Internet Restrictions Are Ineffective: With VPNs and other tools, people can bypass bans easily.
4. Need for a Mature Approach: Rather than imposing bans, society should focus on sexual education and responsible consumption.

Final Thought: A Matter of Personal Choice

Just as individuals have the freedom to choose their food, clothing, and entertainment, they should also have the right to decide what content they consume online. Governments should not impose moral policing on personal choices.

Instead of a ban, society should focus on educating individuals about responsible content consumption. Restricting access to information has never led to progress—education and awareness are the true solutions.