'Relentless champion of justice, equality': Wishes pour in as Cong chief Kharge turns 83
New Delhi (PTI): Birthday wishes poured in for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as he turned 83 on Monday with former party chief Rahul Gandhi saying his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India "inspire us all".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted Kharge on his birthday and wished him a long and healthy life.
"Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji on his birthday. Praying for his long and healthy life," Modi said on X.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, "Wishing Congress President @kharge ji a very happy birthday! Your leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India inspire us all."
"May you be blessed with good health and happiness," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal greeted Kharge and lauded his leadership.
"Wishing our dynamic, determined and inspirational AICC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji a very happy birthday. For lakhs of Congress workers, his vision, wisdom and commitment to the party and its ideology is an inspiration," he said.
"His rise from humble origins to the pinnacle of the party is a testament to his hard work and leadership qualities. Since he has assumed office, our party has also made notable strides in our fight for justice, democracy and protecting the Constitution," Venugopal said.
"We are proud to be led by a towering personality like Kharge ji, from whom I continue to learn everyday. May he be blessed with great health and happiness in the coming years!" he said.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also wished Kharge on his birthday.
"Wishing our visionary leader, AICC President shri Kharge Ji good health, happiness, and many more years in the service of the Nation and people," Reddy said on X.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on X, "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Congress Party's National President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Kharge ji on his birthday."
"The commitment, dedication and fighting spirit with which you have worked for public service, protection of constitutional values and social justice is an inspiration for all of us," he said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar greeted Kharge and said that over the years, he has witnessed Kharge's deep commitment to the people and to the ideals of the Congress Party.
"Your journey from the grassroots to national leadership is an inspiration to all of us in public life. For Karnataka and for India, you remain a pillar of strength and wisdom. Wishing good health and many more years in the service of the nation," Shivakumar said on X.
Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said on X, "A very Happy Birthday to our respected @INCIndia president Shri @kharge Sahib. His experience and his perspective are a source of guidance for all of us."
In a post on its official X handle, the Congress extended birthday greetings to the party president.
"A relentless champion of justice and equality, he leads the party with unparalleled courage, wisdom, and political acumen. His inspiring leadership strengthens our resolve to uphold the Constitution with unwavering integrity," the party said.
His faith and commitment to democracy and decades of distinguished public service make him a true icon, the Congress said.
"Wishing you good health, immense happiness, and many more years of bold, visionary leadership," it said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also greeted Kharge and said he has been pivotal in strengthening the INDIA bloc by standing firm against forces that seek to sow division and weaken our unity.
"Wishing you enduring resolve, good health, and wisdom as you continue to uphold the dignity and collective will of the people," Stalin said.
Kerala Chief Pinarayi Vijayan also wished Kharge. "Birthday greetings to Congress President @kharge. Wishing you a joyous and healthy life ahead," Vijayan said on X.
NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar greeted Kharge and hailed his leadership.
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Supreme Court declines fresh curbs on hate speech, says existing laws are enough
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday refused to issue additional directions to curb hate speech across the country, holding that the existing legal framework is sufficient and that the real issue lies in implementation rather than absence of law.
A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta said creation of criminal offences falls within the legislative domain and courts cannot legislate or compel Parliament and state legislatures to enact laws.
The Bench observed that constitutional courts can interpret the law and issue directions for enforcement of fundamental rights, but cannot step into the law-making role.
“At the highest, the court may draw attention to the need for reform. The decision whether and in what manner to legislate remains within the exclusive domain of Parliament and the state legislatures,” the court said.
The court held that the field of hate speech is not legally vacant and said concerns arise mainly from poor enforcement of existing provisions.
It also noted that the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, provides a comprehensive mechanism to set criminal law in motion, meaning there is no legislative vacuum.
Referring to remedies already available under the earlier Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the BNSS, the court said police are duty-bound to register an FIR when a cognisable offence is disclosed, as laid down in the Lalita Kumari judgment.
It said if police fail to register an FIR, an aggrieved person can approach the Superintendent of Police under Section 154(3) of CrPC or Section 173(4) of BNSS, and thereafter move the magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC or Section 175 BNSS, or file a private complaint under Section 200 CrPC or Section 223 BNSS.
The Bench further held that an order directing investigation under Section 156(3) CrPC does not amount to taking cognisance under Section 190 CrPC or the corresponding Section 210 of BNSS.
Even while declining fresh directions, the court acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.
It observed that hate speech and rumour-mongering directly affect fraternity, dignity and constitutional order.
The Bench urged legislative authorities to consider whether further policy or legal measures are needed in view of changing social challenges, including suggestions made in the 267th Report of the Law Commission in 2017.
The judgment came in a batch of petitions arising from events dating back to 2020, when multiple pleas were filed over alleged communal narratives spread through television channels and social media.
Among the earliest cases were challenges relating to content described as the “Corona Jihad” campaign and a programme aired by Sudarshan TV titled “UPSC Jihad”. During those proceedings, the court had restrained further telecast of the programme.
Later, more petitions were filed over speeches made at religious gatherings described as “Dharam Sansad” events.
These included pleas moved by journalist Qurban Ali and Major General S.G. Vombatkere seeking action against alleged hate speeches made at such forums.
During the pendency of the matter, the Supreme Court in 2023 had issued major directions asking all states and Union Territories to act proactively in cases involving communal hate speeches or remarks hurting religious sentiments.
It had directed police to register FIRs suo motu, without waiting for formal complaints.
Later, contempt petitions were also filed alleging poor implementation of those earlier directions.
