Law panel wants to amend penal laws for hate speech

The Law Commission on Friday favoured an amendment into the penal law by inserting offences of ‘prohibiting incitement to hatred’ and ‘causing fear, alarm or provocation of violence in certain cases’ to deal with hate speech.

In a report submitted to the government, the panel headed by Justice B S Chauhan said there is a need to amend provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

“Democracy thrives on disagreements, provided they do not cross the boundaries of civil discourse. Critical and dissenting voices are important for a vibrant society. However, care must be taken to prevent public discourse from becoming a tool to promote speech inimical to public order,” the panel said.