‘The atmosphere is becoming poisonous’: Political leaders should increase brotherhood in the country, elections should be fought on the basis of mutual respect: Supreme Court

By Sandy Verma On Feb 18, 2026

Bureau Prayagraj. The Supreme Court has made an important comment regarding the speeches of the leaders in the country. During a hearing on Tuesday, the court said that political leaders should work to increase brotherhood in the country. The court has asked 12 petitioners, including academician Roop Rekha Verma, to file a fresh petition seeking guidelines on political speeches.

The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Jaimalya Bagchi refused to hear the ongoing PIL. In the petition, there was a demand to make guidelines for leaders and media. The petitioners said that the speeches of some leaders affect brotherhood and constitutional values. The court said that the petition is selectively targeting people and asked the petitioners to file a fresh petition.

During the hearing, the court said that political leaders should work to increase brotherhood in the country. The court has asked 12 petitioners, including academician Roop Rekha Verma, to file a fresh petition seeking guidelines on political speeches.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of the petitioners. He said that the atmosphere in the country is becoming poisonous. This petition was filed in the context of alleged hate speech by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Sibal argued that relief is not being sought against any one leader, rather a request has been made to make guidelines to fix accountability in speeches.

However, the bench did not agree with Kapil Sibal’s argument. The Chief Justice said that this petition appears to be against some selected individuals of a particular political party. He said take it back. File a second petition explaining how political parties are violating the rules. The court also said that it is ready to hear an impartial petition.

During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna said, “Political leaders should promote brotherhood in the country.” He also raised the question that even if we make guidelines, who will follow them? Speech originates from thoughts. How can you control thoughts? We have to promote ideas in accordance with constitutional values.

Kapil Sibal also mentioned the election code of conduct. He said that the code of conduct is applicable during elections, but the speeches given before that keep going viral on social media. He asked what is the responsibility of the media in such matters so that the democratic environment is not spoiled.

Justice Bagchi said the court can only pass orders, but implementing them is a challenge. He said that the Supreme Court has already decided many principles regarding hate speech. He also added that political parties also have responsibility in this, because the leader is a member of the party.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, said that the situation is becoming extremely toxic and the court should intervene. However, CJI Surya Kant remarked that the petition actually appeared to be targeted at a particular individual, as it primarily referred to his speeches. Sibal clarified that no relief has been sought against any particular person and assured to remove references to the petition.

The CJI suggested that the petition be withdrawn and a new petition focused on constitutional principles be filed, so that there is no impression of bias against any party or individual. Sibal argued that inflammatory speeches given before the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct continue to circulate even during the election period, on which the Election Commission does not take action, hence guidelines are necessary for media and online platforms as well.