75% of hate speech events took place in BJP-ruled States: report

Syllabus: GS-II Subject: Polity Topic: Rights Issues, Issue: Hate Speech

Context: The documented events of hate speech in India.

Hate Speech: according to the Law Commission of India, hate speech is an  incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons defined in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief etc.

Related laws:

1. Section 153A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) – Punish acts that cause enmity and hatred between groups.
2. Section 295A of the IPC – Punishment for the deliberate and malicious acts that are intended to outrage religious feelings of any class.

+1 Advantage

Related Case laws:

1. Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan v. Union of India, 2014: The Supreme Court request the Law Commission.
   • To make recommendations to Parliament on creating new hate speech law.
2. Amish Devgan v Union of India : the importance of protecting free speech while also protecting group dignity and the unity of the nation.
   • by prohibiting speech which threatens that dignity and unity.

T K Viswanathan Committee: suggested amending related sections of IPC to deal with online hate crimes.