Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Governance;
Tags: Government Policies & Interventions#HateSpeech#SupremeCourtWarning.#HateCRimes.
Context: The Supreme Court of India emphasizes that incitement to violence and hate speech is not permissible.
Synopsis:
- Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh police, along with local administrations, are directed to closely monitor public events organized by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and BJP MLA T. Raja Singh.
- The monitoring is ordered for seven days, starting from January 19, in Yavatmal and Raipur.The court instructs District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police to investigate allegations of hate speech.
- The court suggests the installation of CCTV cameras, if necessary, to identify perpetrators in case of violence or hate speech.
- The directive is in response to an application by Shaheen Abdulla, represented by Kapil Sibal and Nizam Pasha, urging the withdrawal of permissions for the events.
- The court acknowledges past interventions against hate speech but questions why they are viewed negatively, expressing concern about the future.
- In 2022, the court criticized the prevailing climate of hate in the country and directed authorities to register cases against hate speech offenders.
- In 2018, the court condemned hate crimes and emphasized the state’s duty to protect citizens’ lives.
About Hate Crimes:Hate crimes encompass violent or abusive actions directed at individuals or groups based on factors such as religion, caste, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other defining characteristics. These offenses typically involve acts of violence, intimidation, or threats and target those perceived as different or marginalized. Indian legal frameworks do not clearly define hate crimes, and their diverse manifestations make it challenging to establish a standardized definition. However, hate speeches fall under the purview of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 298, 505(1), and 505(2).
