In India, making a clear distinction between old and new social movements is difficult because how a social movement is perceived and classified is always a matter of interpretation. What appears as a 'mutiny' for one section may be seen as a 'struggle for independence' for another, showing how people attach different meanings to movements.

The old social movements functioned within the frame of political parties. For instance, the Indian National Congress led the Indian National Movement. These movements clearly saw reorganisation of power relations as a central goal and were often organised along class lines, focusing on economic inequality.

New social movements are not just about 'old' issues of economic inequality, nor are they organised along class lines alone. Identity politics, cultural anxieties and aspirations are essential elements. These movements often unite participants across class boundaries, such as the women's movement which includes both urban, middle-class feminists and poor peasant women.

The distinction becomes blurred because the broader term of civil society is used to refer to both old social movements represented by political parties and trade unions, and to new non-governmental organisations, women's groups, environmental groups and tribal activists. Questions of social inequality can occur alongside other equally important issues.

Thus, in India, the boundaries between old and new social movements overlap significantly, making it difficult to draw a clear line of distinction.