Taking a strong exception to fringe elements making hate speeches, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said the moment politics and religions are separated and politicians stop using religion in politics, such speeches will go away.
The apex court made this observation while hearing a contempt petition against various state authorities for failing to register FIRs against those making hate speeches. “The moment politics and religion is segregated, this will end. When politicians stop using religion, all this will stop,” the Bench stated.
A bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna asked why cannot people restrain themselves. “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, heading the Bench, observed.
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. He was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench, “Where are we going? There were orators like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. People from rural areas used to come. Now fringe elements from all sides are making these statements and we are now going to take contempt of court action against all Indians? Intolerance comes from lack of knowledge and education.”
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Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also pointed out a derogatory speech made in Kerala by a man against a particular community and questioned that petitioner Shaheen Abdullah has selectively pointed out the incidents of hate speeches in the country.
The court will hear the matter on April 28.
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