SC to Law Commission: Regulate provocative speeches

March 19, 2014

The Supreme Court (SC) directed the Law Commission to look into the issue of hate speeches being made by leaders of political, social and religious outfits and consider framing guidelines to regulate such provocative statements.

The justice BS Chauhan bench directed the Law commission to draft guidelines regarding hate speeches by politicians before elections and give its recommendation to the Union Government.
The apex court passed an order on a PIL filed by an NGO, Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan, alleging that there is a need for guidelines as hate speeches destroy the fabric of democracy and violate the provisions of the Constitution.
The PIL had named Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh as respondents as the two states witnessed incidents of alleged hate speeches. It had referred to the alleged hate speeches made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray and claimed that no FIR was registered against them in the state.

The PIL stated that in Andhra Pradesh, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Akbaruddin Owaisi had allegedly made hate speeches and was arrested for them. Though, after being released on bail, he had again made similar speeches in Nanded, Maharashtra, it alleged.

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