Supreme Court Dismisses Plea for Hate Speech Guidelines, Citing Existing Petitions

Last Updated on November 14, 2024 by Amit Patra

The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a PIL seeking guidelines to check hate speech and said the issue is already being taken care of through a batch of pending petitions.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna said the Court is already seized of cases relating to hate speech and hate crimes. The Bench, therefore, did not take up another petition on the issue while making it clear that the offense of hate speech is distinct and could not be equated with “wrong assertions or false claims.”

The PIL, filed by the Hindu Sena Samiti, had sought issuance of directions to the central government for action against those making provocative speeches. However, the Court made it clear that if there is any specific grievance by the petitioner, then the same may be raised in accordance with law.

The SC had issued several other directives in the past to rein in hate speech across the country. In April 2023, the Court had directed police in every state and union territory to take suo motu action in hate speech cases, irrespective of the offenders’ religion.

The apex court has also expressed its concern over the fall in standards of political discourse, pointing out that the country was witnessing hate speeches from all camps resulting in a vicious cycle of action and reaction. The Court has taken a dim view of the role of mainstream television news channels for giving space for hate speech and failing to face the sanctions.

While dismissing this latest PIL, the Supreme Court has only reiterated its stand to deal with the issue of hate speech through the petitions pending before it rather than entertaining some more pleas on the same issue. This indeed is an assurance that the Court is dealing with the menace of hate speech that is growing day by day in a wholesome and consistent manner.