Row rises between rival parties as Jharkhand Health Minister’s son visits hospital, video goes viral
Ranchi: Health Minister and Congress leader Irfan Ansari’s son Krish Ansari’s visit to the Rajendra Insitute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here on Sunday, apparently for an inspection, gave rise to a political scuffle after a 19-second video clip of the visit went viral on social media platforms.
The 19-year-old youngster is seen entering a ward and inquiring about the comfort of the patients. His associates too are seen in the clip speaking to the patients. The reel has a Punjabi song playing in the background.
Krish is learned to be an Engineering student in Uttarakhand and currently home on vacation.
As the video went viral, leaders of the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Krish for recording a reel of the inspection.
BJP Jharkhand spokesperson Ajay Sah has commented on his ‘X’ account that the son of Jharkhand’s ‘Reel Minister’ has also started inspecting government hospitals and making reels.
On the other hand, Minister Ansari justified his son’s visit, stating that Krish was helping his teacher’s mother, who was struggling with health issues, get admitted into the hospital.
Ansari has clarified before reporters that Krish was doing a good deed by taking his teacher’s mother to the hospital, getting her treated there and also bringing her medicine. He stressed that his son’s intention for the visit was not to shout at the hospital administration, adding, “You should appreciate his act.”
The minister also clarified that he had questioned his son about the visit in the backdrop of the row and Krish had explained that he was helping his teacher’s mother who was unwell.
Posting his comments in Hindi on ‘X’, Irfan asked the BJP to ‘move forward with positive thinking’. He challenged the BJP to face them instead of involving family and children. “I have given my children good values. Whether it is my son or my worker. They will help humanity. They will ensure people's treatment and save their lives,” he said.
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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.
