New Delhi: Extending the scope to its 2022 order which directed police of Union Territory Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to take suo motu action against cases related to hate speech… the Supreme Court on Friday directed all states and union territories to file cases over hate speech even if no one made a complaint.
The apex court warned state police that action should be taken regardless of the religion of the speaker and any delays in filling cases will be taken as contempt of court.
The initial order which was applicable to the government of Delhi, UP, and Uttrakhand, passed on October 21, 2022.
A bench comprising Justices Km Joseph and BV Nagarathan was hearing a clutch of petitions on hate speech crimes. Earlier, the bench has also sought a response from the Maharashtra government over a contempt petition filed alleging failure to take action against hate speech cases.
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Terming it a serious offence, the court said, ” Hate Speech capable of affecting the secular fabric of the country”.
“We further make it clear that such action be taken irrespective of the religion of the maker of the speech so that the secular character of Bharat as envisaged by the Preamble is preserved,” the bench said in its order.
The petitioners have demanded the appointment of a nodal officer for each state to monitor hate speech, to which the court suggested one for each district.
The apex court will hear the matter on May 12.
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