Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Supreme Court to Close Hate Speech Petitions
The Supreme Court of India is thinking about closing many petitions about hate speeches that have been waiting since 2021.
The court has asked the police to register cases about hate speeches even if no one complains.
Most of these petitions might be closed, but one important case about a Muslim cleric in Noida will be heard in February.
The court has told all states and union territories to register cases against hate speeches quickly.
The court says hate speeches are very serious and can hurt the peaceful nature of the country.
The governments involved say they have followed the court's orders, but some people, like the cleric's lawyer, are not sure and want the court to check.
Supreme Court considers closing most hate speech petitions pending since 2021.
One case involving a 2021 alleged hate crime against a Muslim cleric in Noida to be heard in February.
Court directed all states and UTs to register cases against hate speeches, even without complaints.
UP government claims the Noida case was not a hate crime but a robbery attempt.
Cleric's lawyer doubts the UP government's version and seeks court intervention.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Centre, Delhi Police, Uttar Pradesh government, petitioners including journalist Shaheen Abdullah
- What
- Supreme Court considering closing petitions related to hate speeches pending since 2021
- When
- January 20, 2024, with a specific case to be heard in February 2024
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To address the issue of hate speeches and ensure compliance with court directives
- Date
- January 20, 2024
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Justices
- Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta
- Petitions
- Batch of writ petitions filed by individuals
- Governments Involved
- Centre, Delhi Police, Uttar Pradesh government
- Key Case
- 2021 alleged hate crime against a Muslim cleric in Noida
- Court's Stance
- Hate speeches are a serious offence affecting secular fabric of India
Sources
SC mulls closing petitions related to hate speeches pending since 2021, reserves verdict
SC to close hate speech pleas pending since 2021
Supreme Court to Close Most Hate Speech Petitions, Cites “Substantial Compliance” by States