SC issues notice to centre on curbing hate speeches

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the Central government on a petition seeking framing of guidelines to curb elected representatives from delivering hate speeches in pursuance of their political goals.

An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir issued the notice after senior counsel Basva Patil told the court that such leaders deliver hate speeches repeatedly, inflaming regional, religious and ethnic passion.

Patil told the court that such leaders, if arrested after making the hate speech, repeat their actions upon being released on bail. He urged that the rule of law should be strengthened and such leaders not be permitted to repeatedly make hate speeches.

The notice was also issued to the Election Commission of India, and the Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh governments. The public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by the voluntary organisation Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan.

The court observed that civil society too had a role in curbing such tendencies.