Supreme Court not to restrain hate speeches for ‘freedom’

New Delhi- The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL seeking direction to the Election Commission to stop politicians from delivering hate speeches, saying in a democracy people have different opinions.

“We are a country of 128 crore people and there may be 128 crore views. This is the maturity of a democracy. For a person making such a speech, it may not be a hate speech,” said a bench headed by Justice R. M. Lodha.

The PIL filed by an advocate said the top court should instruct the poll panel to stop politicians from making hate speeches and “flash promises” designed to influence voters.

“Let all shades of opinion come before the public. Let them decide,” the bench said. It added that any step towards preventing hate speeches, unless such speeches incite violence, would amount to an infringement of the right to free speech. “We cannot curtail fundamental rights of people. It is a precious rights guaranteed by Constitution,” it said.