The Supreme Court of India on Monday declined to hear a petition seeking strict guidelines against hate speech by individuals holding high constitutional posts, citing concerns over the “selective” naming of three Chief Ministers.
The plea referred to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, all from the BJP. Filed by former bureaucrats and civil society members, the petition cited controversial remarks allegedly made by the three leaders.
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Chief Justice of India Surya Kant advised petitioners to withdraw and refile a more neutral plea that addresses hate speech broadly across political parties. He stressed the need for objectivity and constitutional morality, rather than targeting specific individuals.
Justice BV Nagarathna questioned how effective guidelines would be if underlying attitudes remain unchanged, while Justice Joymalya Bagchi cautioned against turning serious constitutional concerns into a “populist exercise.”
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, argued that the situation was becoming “toxic” and sought the court’s intervention. The matter was adjourned to allow modification of the plea.
