Hate Speech On News Channels: SC Says Role Of Anchors Critical, Asks If Govt Will Bring Law To Curb It

TV Hate Speech Row: The Supreme Court said there needs to be an institutional mechanism to deal with hate speech.

The SC took note of hate speech on mainstream news channels

Source : Getty Images

Taking note of hate speech on mainstream news channels, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the government why it was a "mute spectator" and whether it intended to bring a law to curb such activities. A bench of Justices K M Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy said the role of TV anchors was "critical" and it is their duty to discourage hate speeches during news programmes, PTI reported.

The Supreme Court, which was hearing a batch of petitions about hate speech and rumour-mongering, said there needs to be an institutional mechanism to deal with hate speech.

"The role of anchor (in TV debates) is very important. These speeches on mainstream media or social media are unregulated. Mainstream TV channels still hold sway. The role of anchor is critical and it's their duty to see that hate speech doesn't occur…Many a time those who want to speak are muted," the bench observed.

READ | TN BJP Leader Files Complaint With LS Speaker Om Birla Against DMK Leader A Raja's 'Hate Speech'

The bench also said that TV channels that often give space to hate speech escape without any sanctions.

The bench further said that hate speech benefits politicians the most and TV news channels give platforms for it, ANI reported.

"If sanctions are effected this will go...Any anchor will have his own views, but what is wrong is when you have people of different views and you are not allowing them to express those views...in doing that you are bringing hate and your TRP is going up," the bench said.

Expressing dissatisfaction over steps taken by the government on the issue of hate speech, the top court said there should be a synchronised method to deal with it. The SC said the country needs to be a responsible democracy where there is accountability.

"Why is the government remaining a mute spectator?" the SC said.

The bench directed the Centre to make clear its stand as to whether it intends to enact a law on the Law Commision's recommendations for prohibiting incitement of hate speech.