Act quickly: Hate speech gets encouragement with late action from cops and courts. Parties must get tough too

Source– The post is based on the article “Act quickly: Hate speech gets encouragement with late action from cops and courts. Parties must get tough too” published in The Times of India on 12th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS1- Communalism. GS3- Security issues

News– The article explains the reasons for hate speeches. It also provides the solution to curb instances of hate speech.

Recently there were instances of elected representatives of parties and religious organizations giving hate speeches.

What are the reasons behind encouragement for hate speech?

Lack of quick and meaningful police and legal actions encourages hate speech.

There are delays by the police in registering FIR.

Courts take a very long time to decide the cases related to hate speeches.

Political parties do not act against their members giving hate speeches.

What is the way forward?

Police forces have to be vigilant and proactive in registering FIRs, making arrests, filing chargesheets and pursuing trials.

Political parties should show zero tolerance for hate speeches.

Higher courts should take a proactive stand. They should supervise a few hare speeches. If necessary, they should also pull up lower courts.

A separate law on hate speeches is unnecessary. It can be misinterpreted.