Supreme Court said that politicians should increase brotherhood in the country (Photo- ANI)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that politicians should promote the feeling of brotherhood in the country. Along with this, the top court asked 12 petitioners including academician Roop Rekha Verma to file a fresh petition regarding guidelines on political speeches.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Joymalya Bagchi refused to hear a PIL that sought to issue guidelines for politicians and media regarding speeches and reporting that allegedly affect fraternity and constitutional values.
The petition, filed in the backdrop of alleged hate speeches by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was cross-examined by senior advocate Kapil Sibal. A bench headed by the Chief Justice had on Monday refused to hear petitions seeking action against the Assam Chief Minister. These petitions criticized the Chief Minister over a viral video in which he was allegedly seen aiming a rifle and firing bullets towards members of the Muslim community.
Sibal said at the beginning of the hearing on Tuesday that the atmosphere was becoming toxic. He urged the bench to frame guidelines that would ensure accountability when political speech affects the brotherhood. However, the bench did not agree with this.
The Chief Justice said that the petition appeared to target selected individuals of a particular political party. Said, 'It is definitely against one person. At this time, take it back. File a simple petition regarding the conditions on which security measures have been set and how political parties are violating them.
He said that a petition targeting a select few would not be acceptable and any such challenge should be objective and fair. We are willing to consider such a petition. We are waiting for someone who can come and file such a petition impartially.
Justice Nagarathna said that leaders should promote brotherhood in the country. He stressed the need for restraint from all parties and asked that suppose we set some guidelines, then who will follow them? Speech originates from thought. How to control thoughts? We should mold our thoughts in accordance with constitutional values.
Sibal said that though the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) remains in force during elections, even after its implementation, speeches made in the past continue to be circulated on the internet media. Justice Bagchi said the court can only pass orders while their implementation remains a challenge.
Referring to the earlier judgment, he said that the Supreme Court has already enunciated several principles related to hate speech and freedom of expression. Political parties also have the responsibility. He is a member of the party, a leader.
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