Understanding the Passage Context on Mob Lynching

The passage discusses the act of mob lynching, defining it as a group of people murdering someone without following the legal process. It highlights that this often targets specific identities or strangers based on suspicion.

The first blank refers to the reason given for the mob lynching, specifically an "(1)_________ infraction". The phrase "without due process of law" is crucial here, as it indicates that the legal system has not been used to prove any wrongdoing.

Analyzing the Options for Blank 1

Let's examine the provided options for the first blank:

1. alleged
2. advantaged
3. applied
4. encouraged

We need to choose the word that best describes an infraction (a violation or infringement) that leads to mob violence even though the legal process has not been followed.

Evaluating Each Option

• Alleged: This word means claimed or asserted without proof. If an infraction is "alleged", it means someone claims it happened, but it hasn't been proven legally. This fits perfectly with the idea of mob violence occurring "without due process of law" – the mob acts based on an unproven accusation.
• Advantaged: This word means being in a favorable or superior position. Describing an infraction as "advantaged" doesn't make sense in this context. An infraction is a wrongdoing, not something that is "advantaged".
• Applied: This word means put into operation or used. An infraction isn't something that is typically "applied". While rules or laws might be "applied", the infraction itself is the violation of those rules.
• Encouraged: This word means given support, confidence, or hope. Describing an infraction as "encouraged" doesn't fit the context of why someone is being lynched. The person is targeted because of the alleged infraction, not because the infraction was "encouraged".

Why 'Alleged' is the Best Fit

Considering the definition of mob lynching as happening "without due process of law", the infraction for which someone is targeted is typically one that is claimed or suspected, but not proven in court. The word "alleged" precisely captures this idea of a claim or accusation that lacks legal proof.

Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill blank (1) is "alleged". The phrase "an alleged infraction" means an infraction that is claimed to have occurred but has not been legally verified.

Revision Table: Key Terms

Additional Information: Mob Violence and Rights

Mob lynching is a severe violation of human rights because it bypasses the legal system entirely. Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty through a fair trial. Mob violence denies this fundamental principle.

The passage correctly notes its conflict with human dignity and mentions Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right to life and personal liberty, stating that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Mob lynching is clearly against this constitutional guarantee.

Understanding words like "alleged" in this context helps highlight that the basis for such violence is often mere suspicion or false accusation, rather than legally established facts.