The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to register cases against people who make hate speeches, even if no complaint has been made. The court said that hate speech is a serious offence that can harm the secular fabric of the country. The judges on the bench, Justices K.M. Joseph and B.V. Nagarathna, emphasized that they are apolitical and only care about upholding the Constitution and laws of the country. They warned that any delay in registering cases will be treated as contempt of court. The court is entertaining petitions against hate speeches in different parts of the country for the larger public good and to establish the rule of law.
During the hearing, the bench made it clear that they are not interested in politics and that they passed the order last year with public good in mind. They emphasized that whatever order they pass is in allegiance to the oath they have taken. The court warned that any attempt to bring politics into the matter will not be entertained. It said that action should be taken irrespective of the religion of the person making the speech, so that the secular character of the country is preserved.
Advocate Nizam Pasha, counsel for the petitioner, said that police should take suo motu action and if they don’t, it will be considered contempt. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed with this and said that all states should be joined in the matter. The court said that respondents should ensure immediate action is taken when any speech or action takes place that attracts offences under various sections of the IPC, without any complaint being filed.
In conclusion, hate speech is a serious offence that can harm the secular fabric of the country. The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to take action against those who make hate speeches, irrespective of their religion. The court is entertaining petitions against hate speeches to establish the rule of law and for the larger public good.
