NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has said that hate speech should be dealt with in the same way regardless of where it comes from. A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SV N Bhatti said this while mentioning the hate slogans during a Muslim Youth League rally in Kanhangad.

On April 28, the Supreme Court had issued a strict directive to the states and Union Territories to register FIRs on hate speeches without regard to religion and without waiting for complaints.

The court was hearing petitions complaining that there is a call for social and economic boycott of the Muslim community in Nuh, Haryana, and seeking action against hate speeches in the country. Meanwhile, a lawyer pointed out the provocative slogans at the Youth League rally in Kanhangad. The case will be heard again on August 25.

The Supreme Court has a clear stance on hate speech

Be it one section or another, they should be treated equally

Legal action should be taken against those who make hate speeches

There are Supreme Court guidelines regarding the procedures. The court has no need to repeat it

Provocative slogans

On July 25, hate slogans were raised in Manipur solidarity rally organized by Muslim Youth League in Kanhangad. After its footage went viral, the activist who raised the slogan was expelled from the party. Five Muslim League and Youth League workers were arrested.