Attempts To Spread Communal Hatred & Indulge In Hate Speech Must Be Dealt With Iron Hand : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court observed that attempts to spread communal hatred and indulge in hate speech must be dealt with an iron hand. It asserted that hate speech cannot be tolerated.

"Any attempt to cause alienation or humiliation of the targeted group is a criminal offence and must be dealt with accordingly," the Court said.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar made this observation while dealing with a PIL filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari against politicians who were making hate speeches and provocative comments in the context of the cases challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.

Although the Court did not pass any specific direction in the petition, it reminded the authorities that hate speeches must be dealt with strongly.

"While we are not entertaining the present writ petition, we make it clear that any attempt to spread communal hatred or indulge in hate speech must be dealt with an iron hand. Hate speech cannot be tolerated as it leads to loss of dignity and self-worth of the targeted group members, contributes to disharmony amongst groups, and erodes tolerance and open-mindedness, which is a must for a multi-cultural society committed to the idea of equality. Any attempt to cause alienation or humiliation of the targeted group is a criminal offence and must be dealt with accordingly."

In April 2023, the Supreme Court had directed the States to suo motu register FIRs against hate speeches without waiting for anyone's written complaint.

The petitioner also sought the initiation of suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his comments attacking the judiciary and CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Dubey made these comments following the Supreme Court's intervention in the petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act.

The Court strongly deprecated the comments of Dubey ,terming them "highly irresponsible" and attention-seeking. The Court said that the comments showed his ignorance about the functioning of the Constitutional Courts.

At the same time, the Court refrained from taking any action against him, saying that the public's confidence in the judiciary cannot be shaken by "such absurd comments."

Also from the order :  'Highly Irresponsible, Shows Ignorance' : Supreme Court Deplores BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's Comments Against Judiciary & CJI

Constitution Is Higher Than All; Judicial Review A Constitutional Function : Supreme Court Debunks Parliamentary Supremacy Claim