SC says law adequate to punish hate speech, underlines enforcement deficit
The Supreme Court of India has stated that existing laws are sufficient to address hate speech and rumour-mongering, emphasizing the need for better enforcement rather than new legislation. The court dismissed a petition seeking to classify hate speech as a separate offense, highlighting that the creation of criminal offenses is a legislative responsibility. It also encouraged the government to consider amendments while reaffirming the judiciary's role in maintaining the separation of powers.
- ▪The Supreme Court ruled that current laws adequately address hate speech and rumour-mongering.
- ▪The court emphasized that the issue lies in enforcement, not a lack of legal provisions.
- ▪It dismissed a petition seeking to declare hate speech a separate offense, stating that legislative creation of offenses is not within the judiciary's purview.
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SC says law adequate to punish hate speech, underlines enforcement deficitThe Supreme Court said constitutional courts cannot compel the legislature to create laws but will be open for the government to consider suitable amendmentsPublished on: Apr 29, 2026 12:26 PM ISTBy Abraham ThomasShare viaCopy link Law is adequate to punish hate speech, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday, as it turned down a petition to declare it and rumour mongering as separate offences under the penal code, saying constitutional courts cannot compel the legislature to create laws and underlining the enforcement deficit.The Supreme Court said hate speech and rumour-mongering affect the constitutional ideal of fraternity. (HT PHOTO)“Creation of criminal offences lies within the legislative domain.
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