Is there a need to consider about new criminal and penal provisions to combat hate speech? Comment (200 Words)
Refer - The Hindu
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 3 years
KEY POINTS
· The value of proactive judicial intervention cannot be understated. After the Supreme Court called for “corrective measures” against the peddling of communal hate from supposedly religious platforms.
· At a time when communally motivated gatherings are becoming conspicuous in their frequency and vociferous in their fulminations against minorities, one would have expected the police to be more sensitive to the situation and prevent hate speeches.
· Even after obtaining bail, under a condition that he would not make any provocative speeches, he had participated in a similar event in Delhi.
· Instances of controversial religious figures making unacceptable comments at different places and occasions have emerged as a disturbing pattern, one that the Court may have to arrest by stern action.
· The possible damage to the social fabric is incalculable, as the language of hatred may seep into the public consciousness as an acceptable thought process.
· The Supreme Court has recognised the potential for a wider societal impact beyond the distress caused to individual members of the targeted group.
· In cases relating to lynching and ‘khap panchayats’, the Court laid down guidelines on preventive, remedial and punitive measures.
· While these are to be followed without exceptions, there is also a need for considering new criminal and penal provisions to combat hate speech.
