2 February 2023: The Supreme Court expressed its frustration with the lack of action against hate speeches in India, despite previous court orders aimed at curbing such statements. The Supreme Court's orders to curb hate speeches and provocative rallies in India are being neglected by state governments.

The Supreme Court on Thursday lamented that nobody was taking action against hate speeches despite the court orders. The top Court of the country also wept that the court will be left "embarrassed again and again" if it is asked to give further directions to curb such statements.

Addressing an application, the court said “we have already passed the order which is clear enough to monitor hate speeches and provocative rallies, but rallies happening all across the country. You ask us to be embarrassed again and again by if our orders are not being implemented by the concern departments?”

The bench said “we’ve passed many orders, yet nobody is taking action.”

The observation came after a lawyer mentioned the matter, saying the issue needs urgent hearing against holding of the Mumbai rally.

She submitted that a similar rally was organized a few days ago in which 10,000 people participated and allegedly gave a call to boycott Muslim communities economically and socially.

The Constitution of India envisages a secular nation, the top court on October 21 last year directed the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to come down hard on hate speeches, promptly registering criminal cases against the culprits without waiting for a complaint to be filed.

It had also warned that any delay on the part of the administration in taking action on this "very serious issue" would invite the court's contempt.

According to the application that was filed on Thursday, the mass rallies where hate speeches are given are organized “with the consent and knowledge of the government”. The rally organized by Hindu Janakrosh Morcha in Mumbai on January 29 featured “open calls to kill Muslims by a Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly, T Raja Singh.”

The Supreme Court's orders to ensure a secular nation as envisioned by the Constitution of India are being disregarded by state governments, especially those under BJP rule.

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Source:  The Wire     |     Business Standard

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