Supreme Court issued directives on Wednesday, instructing District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to ensure the prevention of hate speeches during upcoming rallies organized by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Telangana BJP legislator T Raja Singh.
The order came in response to an application filed by journalist Shaheen Abdulla, who highlighted instances of hate speech at such events.
A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta refused to stay the rallies but emphasized the need for vigilance against any potential incitement to violence. The court specifically directed the authorities to install CCTV cameras at the rally venues with recording facilities to identify individuals making hate speeches.
“We accordingly direct the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police of Yavatmal, Maharashtra, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to take notice of the allegations and take appropriate steps as required. If necessary and deemed appropriate, police will install CCTV cameras with recording facilities so that perpetrators can be identified, if anything happens,” stated the bench in its order.
The court acknowledged Abdulla’s concerns about the scheduled rally by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti on January 18 in Yavatmal and T Raja Singh’s rallies in Raipur from January 19 to January 25. Abdulla expressed apprehensions about potential hate speeches at these events.
During the hearing, Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and lawyer Nizam Pasha, representing Abdulla, argued that insufficient action was being taken against those promoting hate through speeches. The bench acknowledged objectionable remarks but noted that some action, including the filing of FIRs, had been taken.
Sibal pressed for a court order to stay the rallies, but Justice Datta highlighted the absence of the concerned parties and the need for a formal hearing before such a decision.
The court emphasized its authority to intervene in case of incitement to violence.
Abdulla’s application highlighted the involvement of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in events demonizing the Muslim community, citing a recent rally on January 3 in Solapur district. Similar concerns were raised about T Raja Singh’s events in Raipur, given his history of alleged hate speeches.
