'There will be no Hate Speech', SC's important comment on Hindu Jan Aakrosh rally in Mumbai

The Supreme Court on Friday made an important comment regarding hate speech. Regarding taking out Hindu Jan Aakrosh Rally in Mumbai, the Supreme Court said that it will be allowed only when there is a guarantee that there will be no hate speech. The court directed the Maharashtra government to ensure that if permission is granted for the Hindu Jan Aakrosh rally in Mumbai on February 5, no indecent language should be used in it.

A bench of Justices KM Joseph and JB Pardiwala directed that if the event is going to be held, it would be subject to the condition that no one would utter hate speech and flout the law. At the same time, the bench directed the Maharashtra government that video recording should be done by the police to see that the incident of hate speech does not happen and its material should be made available to the court.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Maharashtra government, promised during the hearing that action would be taken against hate speeches. However, the Solicitor General also questioned the demand to stop the programme, saying it would tantamount to "pre-censorship". On the question of the Solicitor General, Justice Joseph said that everyone saw the hate speech that happened in Uttarakhand and then the state government took action. That's why we cannot allow what happened to happen again.

In view of the incidents of hate speech, there was a demand not to allow this rally. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, argued that during a meeting held on July 29, hate speeches were made by the participants, including an MP from the ruling party. Sibal said these factors should be considered before taking a decision on whether to allow the next rally. The petition sought the court's intervention to direct the state authorities to take action and not allow the rally to be held on February 5 in Mumbai, alleging that the platform was being used to spread hatred between communities.