Centre supports prosecution of Swamy in hate speech case

The Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre has supported before the Supreme Court prosecution of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy for violating Indian Penal Code provisions by making hate speech.

Amid the debate on growing intolerance in the country, the government has said that the Constitution is based on principle that people of all castes, creed and religion must live together in harmony and in the long run prosperity and salvation are in union and not in division.

Defending penal provisions prescribing punishment for acts done to disturb peace and harmony, the government said that even honest criticism can sometimes cause disaffection.

Maintaining “divisive forces cannot be allowed to prosper”, the government upheld the decision to prosecute Swamy by claiming he has violated IPC provisions through his writing that tends to promote hatred.