SC strict on provocative speech, instructs administration, said- police should take action on their own

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed displeasure over hate speeches. The top court said that immediate action should be taken on provocative speeches. Also clarified that if the administration delays in taking action, it will be considered as contempt of court. The Supreme Court said that in cases of hate speech, UP, Delhi and Uttarakhand police should take automatic action. Brotherhood cannot exist in the country unless people belonging to different communities/castes co-exist in harmony with each other. A bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Rai said that the Constitution says that India is a secular nation. In this, the talk of brotherhood and mutual pride has been written in the very beginning of the Constitution itself.

Plea in petition

The top court was considering petitions seeking a direction to stop intimidation and targeting of Muslims in the country. The petition has been filed by Shaheen Abdullah. The bench ordered the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police to take suo motu cognizance of hate speech cases and not wait for formal complaints to be filed.

Action report sought from police

After passing the order, the court asked the registry to immediately upload this order on the website of the Supreme Court. Court said that we are able to do very little in this regard. Take action in the cases given by the petitioner and submit the police report. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, thanked the court for giving this order.

Court said, do not target the community

Justice Rai said that the statements are really disturbing. It is not proper in a democratic and secular country, but speeches given against the same community have been brought to court. Whoever gives the speech, it should be condemned and action should also be taken. During the hearing, the court also asked Sibal whether he had taken any steps to stop provocative speeches when he was with the law minister. He had raised it, but a consensus could not be reached on it.

Sibal said – such people do not fear the law

Sibal said that by law we should not have needed to come to the court. He said that these people are giving such hate speeches on a daily basis. Inflammatory speeches were given in the Parliament of Religions held in Delhi. On this, the court asked whether the people of the other side also talk about committing violence. To this Sibal said that if they do, will they be released. Strictest law will be imposed on them. The courage of such people has increased because they have no fear of law.