Not easy to define hate speech: SC

Observing that it is "not easy to define hate speech", the Supreme Court on Friday underlined the need to take "counter measures" by the state authorities to ensure there are no instances of hate speeches.

A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna directed all the state governments to furnish a list of nodal officers appointed by them to register cases of hate speech and pursue investigations in this regard.

Speaking for the bench, Justice Khanna underscored the significance of installing CCTV cameras by the state authorities as they can act as a "big deterrent". The bench also insisted on ascertaining the "source" of the video/clip of a purported hate speech.


The bench said that it is imperative that "peace, harmony and brotherhood" is maintained and counter measures are taken to avoid instances of hate speech. The bench further observed that the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) should maintain a record of hate speech complaints and submit it to the nodal officer.

The top court said that if there are more than four or five complaints, then a committee can be constituted by the DCP to look into them. The SC further said that the state authorities must upload counter videos to call out fake videos spreading hate amongst communities. Justice Khannasaid the top court wants "effective practical steps" to be taken to ensure there is no hate speech.