Why target only one party? Supreme Court reprimands Kapil Sibal on hate speech petition, questions raised on petitioner – ..

News India Live, Digital Desk: The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the matter of hate speech. The court asked sharp questions to the petitioner and his lawyer Kapil Sibal that why only leaders of a particular political party are being targeted in hate speech cases? A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti made it clear that the law is equal for all and should not be selective.

What did the Supreme Court say?

During the hearing, when senior lawyer Kapil Sibal cited the statements of Chief Ministers and leaders of BJP-ruled states, the bench interrupted him and asked, “Why are you taking names of leaders of only one party? Is hate speech only from one side?”

The court further said that if this is a public interest litigation, then there should be impartiality in it. Selectively targeting leaders of only one political ideology or party raises questions about the intention of the petition. The court clearly said that they will not encourage such ‘selective’ petitions.

Kapil Sibal’s argument and court’s stance

Kapil Sibal argued that some specific statements are worsening the atmosphere of the society and the administration is not taking action on them. However, the Court emphasized that the definition and action on hate speech should be universal. The bench asked the petitioner whether he had also included the controversial statements made by leaders of other parties in his petition.

Why is this comment important?

This comment of the Supreme Court is a big message for those who want to use the courts to settle political scores. The court has made it clear that the goddess of justice certainly has a blindfold on her eyes, but she gives priority to balance and fairness. At present, the court has directed to widen the scope of the petition and keep it impartial.