NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has given strict instructions to the states and Union Territories to register FIRs on hate speeches without regard to religion and without waiting for complaints. The proposal came from a bench comprising Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna. Failure to do so will be considered as contempt of court.

Pointing out the hate speeches in various parts of the country, the proposal is in the public interest litigation to prevent such trends from growing. In October 2022, the Supreme Court had given a similar directive to the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, and was extending it to other states and Union Territories now.

While considering the petitions, the Supreme Court had earlier referred to former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and AB Vajpayee. People used to come from villages to listen to these eloquent speakers, but now the speeches of extremists are everywhere. The court also pointed out that intolerance is increasing due to a lack of knowledge and education.

Supreme Court observations

• The secular nature of India as highlighted by the Constitution should be preserved
• The sovereignty of the country and the dignity of the people must be protected
• Judges have no politics. Only the Constitution is primary.
• Which political party is involved is not a matter of concern for the court.

Case will be under these charges

153 (A) - Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, and residence.

153 (B) - Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration

295 (A) - Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.

506 - criminal intimidation