criminalize directly; Supreme Court Directive on Foreign Speeches

New Delhi : On the issue of hate speech, the Supreme Court on Friday opened the hearing of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments. “Disparaging and hateful speech is a serious matter and the Government of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand should take criminal action against the perpetrators of such speech. The Supreme Court has said that without waiting for anyone to file a complaint in this regard, direct action should be taken by filing a case by self-determination. The court also said that if the administration delays action on a very serious matter, it will be considered as contempt of court.

On the petition filed by journalist Shaheen Abdullah against hate speech. K. M. A bench of Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy has issued notices to the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. ‘The unity and integrity of the country is one of the principles enshrined in the Constitution. If this principle is disturbed, strict steps should be taken against it,’ the court said in the judgment.

‘Unless the members of the society of different religions can live in harmony, there can be no brotherhood. Despite various penal provisions, no action has been taken. The petitioners say that there is a need to follow the principles of the constitution. It is the duty to protect fundamental rights and protect the Constitution. Strict action should be taken against those who make hate speeches, those who target a particular community.’ The Supreme Court also expressed the hope that ‘all the three states should file a reply regarding the action taken regarding the speeches filed in the petition, and take action in future without waiting for complaints in such cases’.

Secularism is an identity

Secular country is our important identity. It is also mentioned in the constitution. However, the court expressed the opinion that if anyone is going to make hateful speeches ignoring the basic provisions of the constitution, strict action should be taken against them.

Petitioner’s demand

Journalist Shaheen Abdullah has also requested the Supreme Court to direct the Center and the states to initiate independent, credible and impartial investigations into incidents of hate crimes and hate speech across the country.