Jyoti can face legal action according to Constitution

 As the stalemate in Parliament continues over an abusive remark by Minister Niranjan Jyoti at an election rally here, it is pertinent to have a relook over legal provisions dealing with hate speeches.

It is not the first time when a public representative has spoken something inviting wide-spread criticism. It would certainly be not the last.

Our legal framework provided different statutory provisions to deal with the hate speeches. The Indian Penal Code, the Representation of People’s Act, the Information Technology Act, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and the Cinematographers Act adequately put forth safeguards in this regard.

Derogatory words spoken by politicians, people’s representatives and religious leaders are in abrogation of basic structure of our Constitution and its provisions relating to fundamental rights, duties, and directive principles of state policy.

In view of growing utterances fraught with the risk to ignite ill-will and enmity among people, two PILs were adjudicated upon by the Supreme Court early this year on the subject.