‘This is 21st century. What have we reduced God to’: Supreme Court on hate speeches

Supreme Court: A bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy said, “This is the 21st century. What have we reduced God to? Article 51 says we should have a scientific temper and in the name of religion, this is tragic.”

The Supreme Court on Friday slammed the ongoing controversy over hate speeches stating that is the 21st century and Article 51 says we should have a scientific temper.

File photo of the Supreme Court.

An apex court bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy was hearing a petition seeking action against political leaders making hate speeches.

Hearing a petition on hate speeches, the bench said, “This is the 21st century. What have we reduced God to? Article 51 says we should have a scientific temper and in the name of religion, this is tragic.”

The apex court said such statements (hate speech) are disturbing, especially for a country that is democratic and religion-neutral.

The court directed Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to promptly register criminal cases against culprits without waiting for a complaint to be filed. It further said that any delay on the part of the administration will invite the court's contempt.

The petition, filed by one Shaheen Abdullah, had sought cases under the stringent UAPA against the accused and independent probes into those making hateful remarks against members of Muslims.