Hate speech strikes at the foundational values of the Constitution and leads to inequalities in the society, Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna said in her separate judgment in the case on freedom of speech of public functionaries.
Justice Nagarathna said while freedom of speech and expression is a much needed right so that citizens are well informed and educated on governance, it cannot turn into hate speech. “Hate speech strikes at the foundational values by making the society unequal and also attacks citizens from diverse backgrounds especially in a country like us that is Bharat. It shall be the duty of every Indian to uphold the dignity of every individual irrespective of religion, caste etc and also uphold the dignity of women,” she observed.
Asking individuals, particularly those in public life, to be cautious when delivering speeches or making statements, she said public functionaries and celebrities having regard to the reach and impact their statements can have on the public have to be more responsible and should exercise more restraint on speech since it impacts the citizens at large.
“One should speak only when it is like pearls strung on a thread and when Lord hears it and says ‘yes yes it is true’,” her judgment said.