Merely registering FIRs won’t solve hate speech problem: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that abjuring hate speech is a fundamental requisite for maintenance of communal harmony in the country.
A bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna made the observation while hearing a plea against hate speeches.
“Abjuring hate speech is fundamental requisite for maintenance of communal harmony,” the bench observed orally.
The top court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta what actions have been taken pursuant to lodging of FIRs as merely registering complaints is not going to solve the problem of hate speech.
Mehta told the court that 18 FIRs have been lodged in relation to hate speeches.
The matter was posted for hearing on Wednesday despite Mehta’s and Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj’s objection.