Supreme Court to Close Most Hate Speech Petitions, Cites “Substantial Compliance” by States
However, the top court posted one matter related to a 2021 alleged hate crime committed against a Muslim cleric in Noida for hearing in February to ascertain the progress of the trial in the case.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would close most of the petitions related to hate speeches pending since 2021 and in which the court has asked police to suo motu register FIRs. The apex court said the petitioners can pursue their remedies in accordance with the law.
A two-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta reserved orders on a batch of writ petitions filed by several individuals after the Centre, Delhi Police and the Uttar Pradesh government submitted that substantial compliance with the directions of the court has been made.
However, the top court posted one matter related to a 2021 alleged hate crime committed against a Muslim cleric in Noida for hearing in February to ascertain the progress of the trial in the case.
Advocate Ruchira Goel, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, submitted that a chargesheet has been filed in the matter and during investigation, it was found that the case was not a hate crime but a gang of robbers, which used to dupe people by offering a lift in their car.
Advocate Sharukh Alam, representing the cleric doubted the UP government's version and said that the state was not willing to accept that it was a case of crime and the court must look into it.
On April 28, 2023, the top court extended the scope of its 2022 order beyond three states and directed all states and Union Territories (UT) to register cases against those making hate speeches, even if no complaint has been made. It had termed hate speeches a "serious offence capable of affecting the secular fabric of the country".
