The Supreme Court on Wednesday said the moment politics and religions are separated and politicians stop using religion in politics hate speeches will go away, The Indian Express reported.
A bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna observed while hearing a contempt petition against various state authorities for failing to register FIRs against those making hate speeches. The Court was specifically dealing with a plea regarding hate speeches being made in Maharashtra by Hindu right-wing leaders.
Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the petitioner, said that there have been around ten rallies in Maharashtra which involved hate speech.
Advocate Vishnu Jain, appearing for intervenor Hindu Samaj, said that they have a right to hold religious processions.
“Right to hold procession is fine but what you do in the procession is different,” Justice Nagarathna said.
“The moment politics and religion are segregated, this will end. When politicians stop using religion, all this will stop,” the Bench stated.
“Every day, fringe elements are making speeches including on TV and public forum to vilify others. Why cannot people of India take a pledge to not vilify other citizens or communities,” Justice KM Joseph observed, according to Bar and Bench.
He further said, “What is tolerance? Tolerance is not putting up with somebody but accepting the differences.”
Justice BV Nagarathna also referred to the speeches of former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to lament the current situation.
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also pointed out a derogatory speech made in Kerala by a man against a particular community and questioned that the petitioner has selectively pointed out the incidents of hate speeches in the country.
“Let us not make this into a drama. This is a legal proceeding,” the bench responded. The court will hear the matter on April 28.
