The Supreme Court on Friday directed all States and Union Territories to register cases against those making hate speeches even without any complaint, terming these speeches as a “serious offence” capable of affecting the secular fabric of the country.

Extending the scope of its 2022 order beyond three States — Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand — a bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna also made it clear to authorities that any hesitation to act will be viewed as contempt of the top court and appropriate action will be taken against the erring officers.

The bench ordered the Directors General of Police of all States and UTs to issue direction(s) to their subordinates so that appropriate action in law is taken at the earliest. 

“We make it clear that any hesitation to act in accordance with this direction will be viewed as contempt of this court and appropriate action will be taken against the erring officers. We further make it clear that such action will be taken irrespective of the religion that the maker of the speech or the person who commit such act belongs to, so that the secular character of Bharat as is envisaged by the Preamble, is preserved and protected,” said the apex court, adding that hate speech attracts offences such as Sections 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC.

The top court’s order came on a plea filed by journalist Shaheen Abdullah, who had initially sought direction against the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Governments to register cases against those delivering hate speeches.  Abdullah, represented through advocate Nizam Pasha, on Friday filed a fresh application seeking implementation of the apex court’s October 21, 2022 order across States and UTs and appointment of nodal officers in every State, who will recommend action against those making hate speeches.

Senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for the Maharashtra chapter of NGO PUCL, said despite the SC’s order, incidents are happening across the State and the police is not taking action against those giving hate speeches in public functions, which are being attended by Members of Parliament and MLAs.

The bench said that it is precisely what the court has said on the very first day of the hearing of the matter that the Supreme Court cannot go into every incident. 

“We have laid down a broad framework and now it is up to the authorities to act upon it. We cannot monitor each and every incident,” Justice Nagarathna said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said no government whether it is the Union of India or any State Government can justify hate speeches and that this court has passed certain orders and judgments in the matter that such speeches are capable of affecting the social fabric of the country.

“However, this court cannot go on entertaining intervention applications after applications and substitute the powers of magistrate to entertain such complaints or for that matter procedure laid down under CrPC,” he said.

The bench said it is undisputed fact that hate speeches are not like any other offence but it is capable of affecting the very social fabric of the nation and affects the dignity of the individual.