Hate speech: Supreme Court warns 3 state governments of 'contempt' if strict action not taken

The Supreme Court made some strong observations while hearing a petition against hate speech on 21 October 2022.

A bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy reportedly said, "This is the 21st century. Where have we reached in the name of religion?" The court reportedly also said that the situation is shocking since India is supposed to be "religion-neutral".

The court directed authorities in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to register criminal cases against culprits without waiting for complaints to be filed. The Supreme Court said that any delay would invite the court's contempt.

The top court was hearing a petition by Shaheen Abdullah which sought directions to Central and state government to order impartial investigations into cases of hate crimes and hate speech, and invocation of strict laws like UAPA. The petitioner claimed that the Muslim community was being "targeted and terrorised" in hateful speeches.