New Delhi, 17 February (H.S.): The Supreme Court characterized hate speech as a profoundly sensitive and serious issue on Tuesday while hearing a petition against inflammatory statements by holders of high constitutional offices.A bench presided over by Chief Justice Suryakant advised petitioners, including Lucknow activist Rup Rekha Verma among twelve, to transcend political motivations rather than targeting specific individuals like Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh chief ministers, and Ajit Doval.

The court emphasized that hatred originates in thought patterns antithetical to constitutional values, which must be eradicated. Justice Nagarthna reinforced, Hatred begins in the mind, and we must eliminate mindsets contrary to the Constitution.

The bench declined petitions perceived as singling out one political party or personality but underscored the issue's gravity, urging political parties to restrain leaders internally and media to avoid amplifying vitriol. It questioned the efficacy of judicial directives absent compliance, advocating self-imposed rules within party constitutions given India's mature democracy.

Public servants remain bound by All India Services rules, with the court stressing expectations of propriety from constitutional functionaries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar