SC directs DMs, SPs of Yavatmal, Raipur to ensure no hate speech is made in Raja Singh's rallies
New Delhi, Jan 17: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Maharashtra's Yavatmal and Chhattisgarh's Raipur to ensure no hate speeches are made at rallies being held by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Telangana BJP legislator T Raja Singh over the next one week in their respective jurisdictions.
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, however, refused to stay the rallies, saying the parties the applicant has voiced apprehensions about are not before the court.
It advised the DMs and SPs of the two districts to install CCTV cameras at the venue of the proposed rallies with recording facility so that those making hate speeches can be identified, in case they deliver one.
The court asked the authorities to be cautious and ensure there is no incitement to violence.
"We accordingly direct the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police of Yavatmal, Maharashtra and Raipur, Chhattisgarh to take notice of the allegations and take appropriate steps as required. If necessary and deemed appropriate, police will install CCTV cameras with recording facilities so that perpetrators can be identified, if anything happens," the bench said in its order.
It passed the order on an application moved in the pending plea of journalist Shaheen Abdulla highlighting instances of hate speech at such events.
Abdulla said in his application that Hindu Janajagruti Samiti is scheduled to hold a rally in Yavatmal on January 18 and voiced apprehension about hate speeches being made there. He said controversial BJP MLA from Telangana T Raja Singh is set to address rallies in Raipur, the Chhattisgarh capital, from January 19 to January 25. He feared hate speeches might be made at Singh's rallies, too.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and lawyer Nizam Pasha, who appeared for Abdulla, contended during the hearing that no action was being taken against those promoting hate through their speeches.
"We have gone through the petition and there are certainly objectionable remarks which have been made. But some action has been taken and they (police) have lodged FIR," Justice Khanna said.
"What action has been taken? Nothing. Besides lodging of FIR, nothing has been done. Now they are about to hold another rally," Sibal retorted.
The bench said it cannot preempt a rally on a mere apprehension about the possibility of hate speeches being made there. It, however, said the court can take action if there is any incitement to violence as there are orders to this effect.
When Sibal insisted on a court order staying these rallies, Justice Datta said, "Is he (Singh) a party in the petition? Look at your prayer which is to ensure permission is not granted to 'X' or withdraw permission if already granted? How can we pass this order without this person being a party or hearing from them?"
Citing a Supreme Court order, Justice Khanna told Sibal a nodal officer is to be appointed in each district to keep a tab on hate speeches.
Sibal then requested the court to issue directions to the district magistrates of Yavatmal and Raipur to act if hate speeches are made at these events.
Abdulla's application said Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has been actively involved in organising events where speeches are delivered openly demonising the Muslim community and calling for their boycott. The outfit organised last such event on January 3 in Maharashtra's Solapur district. Abdulla told the court it is holding another rally on January 18 in Yavatmal district.
Similarly, Abdulla brought to the court's notice the events to be held in Raipur district by BJP leader Singh. He referred to multiple cases the lawmaker from Telangana was facing over alleged hate speeches he delivered.
On November 29, 2023, the top court had said it was looking to put in place an administrative machinery to deal with hate speeches across the country and made it clear that it cannot handle each and every such matter as it will lead to a virtual flood of cases.
The apex court had said it has already defined what constitutes hate speech and the question now is of implementation of its directions.
On October 21, 2022, the top court had directed Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand to crack down on those making hate speeches, calling them shocking for a country that is religion-neutral.
Holding that the Constitution of India envisages a secular nation, the court had directed the three states to promptly register criminal cases against offenders without waiting for a complaint to be filed.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
