'Failure In Taking Action Against Hate Speeches Will Attract Contempt': Supreme Court To State Govts

“This is the 21st century. Where have we reached in the name of religion? Such statements (hate speech) are disturbing, especially for a country that is democratic and religion-neutral,” SC said.

Supreme Court of India

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New Delhi: Hearing a plea against hate speeches in the country, the Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on the state governments asking them to take action against such offences, failing which would attract contempt of court against erring officials.   

The court made some of its strongest comments on the matter. “This is the 21st century. Where have we reached in the name of religion? Such statements (hate speech) are disturbing, especially for a country that is democratic and religion-neutral,” the court said.

A bench comprising Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy were hearing a plea seeking urgent intervention to stop the target and growing menace against the Muslim community.

“Article 51A says we should develop a scientific temper. And where have we reached in the name of religion? It is tragic,” Justice Joseph said at the hearing.

The top court issued notice to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police, and asked them to file a report on action taken against such offences within their jurisdiction. The court also ordered the state governments and police authorities to take suo motu action in hate speech cases without waiting for a formal complaint.

J&K| I congratulate Supreme Court to have raised this topic. This is a secular country. We've to strengthen diversity to strengthen the country. They've made a great statement that police need to look into hate speeches: Farooq Abdullah, National Conference president & former CM https://t.co/OINu7BI85b pic.twitter.com/voLmT9rBsY

— ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2022

It is to be noted that petitioner Shaheen Abdullah had moved the apex court seeking direction to the centre and states to initiate independent, credible and impartial investigation into the incidents of hate crimes and hate speeches across India.

In his plea, Abdullah had sought invoking the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and other stringent provisions to check rising hate crimes and hate speeches.

He said that the Muslim community is being "targeted and terrorised" by the participation of members of the ruling political party in delivering hate speeches.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Abdullah, said something needs to be done to handle the problem and strict action must be taken against those indulging in such hate crimes or making such speech.