New Delhi: Terming hate speeches as a “very serious issue”, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to take action in such cases without waiting for complaints to be filed. Register criminal cases against the culprits immediately. The top court warned that any delay on the part of the administration would amount to contempt of court.
Expressing concern over incidents of hate speeches in the country, the Supreme Court said, “Where have we reached in the name of religion.” The Supreme Court says that “Such statements (hate speech) are disturbing, especially for a country which is democratic and religion-neutral.”
The Supreme Court was hearing a petition seeking immediate intervention to stop the alleged growing menace of targeting and terrorizing the Muslim community in India.
The court issued notices to Delhi, UP, and Uttarakhand police and asked them to file a report on the action taken against such offenses in their jurisdiction. SC orders state governments and police officers to take suo motu cognizance of hate speech cases without waiting for a formal complaint.
The Supreme Court says that failure to act will attract contempt of court against erring officials.
