Hate speech cases of all sides to be dealt with as per law, says Supreme Court

 Counsel alleges that at a recent rally organised on July 26 by Indian Union Muslim League in Kerala, a call was made for 'death to Hindus'

R. Balaji, TT, New Delhi, 19.08.23 : The Supreme Court on Friday assured that it would deal appropriately with all those persons indulging in hate speeches, irrespective of the communities to which they belong, as the law of the land on combating the menace has to be complied with by all.

“We are very clear. Whether it be one side or the other side, they have to be treated alike. If anyone indulges in anything which we know as ‘hate speech’, they will be dealt with as per the law. We have already expressed our opinion on the issue. I don’t think we have to repeat it again,” Justice Sanjiv Khanna heading a bench told advocates appearing for Hindu and Muslim groups in the matter relating to action against those indulging in hate speeches.

The court was dealing with a batch of petitions filed by members of both Hindu and Muslim communities seeking action against those indulging in hate speeches. One of the petitioners Shaheen Abdullah had also filed an urgent application to take action against those openly seeking an economic and social boycott of Muslims in Haryana’s Nuh district which had recently witnessed communal riots.

The bench which included Justice S.V. N. Bhatti made the oral observation after counsel for one of the Hindu petitioners complained that hate speeches allegedly being delivered by the Muslim community is not being brought to the notice of the court. Instead, selectively only those allegedly made by Hindu speakers

are being highlighted in the court.

The counsel alleged that at a recent rally organised on July 26 by the Indian Union Muslim League in Kerala, a call was made for “death to Hindus”.

However, advocate Nizam Pasha appearing for Shaheen Abdullah, one of the petitioners from the Muslim side, said there was no question of taking sides on the issue.

The counsel countered the argument saying that Pasha was not bringing all facts before the court and was selectively making allegations against one community.

Justice Khanna said since the court was to hear detailed arguments on the Bihar caste census row, the present matter can be adjourned to next Friday which was acceded to by all the counsels.

“I also went through the Tehseen Poonawalla guidelines. I hope they are being complied with. Then we will take it up on Friday,” Justice Khanna said.

The bench referred to an earlier judgment passed by the apex court in the Tehseen Poonawala case wherein it had passed a slew of directions to the authorities to take

suo motu action against all those involved in hate speeches on caste and communal grounds.

Accordingly, the matter will now be heard on August 25.