SC urges sensitisation against jokes on Sikhs, Sardars, labels it an "important issue"
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has called for increased awareness to prevent offensive jokes targeting Sikhs and Sardars. A bench comprising Justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan, while hearing a 2015 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Sikh lawyer Harvinder Chowdhury, emphasised the need for sensitisation, particularly among children, to address the issue.
The PIL argues that such jokes violate the Sikh community’s constitutional right to equality and dignity. Chowdhury urged the court to direct the government to remove these jokes from websites and social media platforms, highlighting their impact on the community’s self-respect and social standing. She also shared personal experiences of humiliation due to her identity and expressed concern over bullying faced by Sikh children in schools.
During Thursday's hearing, the bench sought actionable suggestions from Chowdhury and the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC), which is supporting the petition. It assured that these recommendations would be reviewed to determine the judiciary's role in implementing solutions.
The PIL also proposed financial penalties for individuals circulating offensive content, suggesting that compensation be deposited into the National Legal Aid Fund. Chowdhury revealed that her own children were hesitant to retain their Sikh surnames due to fear of ridicule.
The case, resumed after a seven-year hiatus, faced earlier challenges regarding the regulation of humour and societal behaviour. In 2017, the court raised concerns about the feasibility of framing community-specific guidelines. However, the current bench has expressed its intent to explore practical measures within enforceable limits.
The matter will be heard again in six weeks.
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Woman accused dies by suicide, alleges harassment by investigating officer
Bengaluru, Nov 22: A 33 year-old woman who is an accused in a case died by suicide on Friday in Banashankari area here, police said.
According to a senior police officer, the woman was an accused in a case being investigated by CID.
In her purported suicide note, she alleged harassment by the investigating officer.
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She died by hanging.
A case of abetment to suicide has been registered in Banashankari police station and investigation has been taken up, he said.
