The court reiterated its earlier rulings that the police must register an FIR immediately after receiving a hate speech complaint | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) said that hate speech and rumor-mongering stem from an “us versus them” mindset and work to undermine the sense of brotherhood in a diverse society. However, the court declined to direct the passage of specific laws against hate speech and crimes, instead calling for effective enforcement of existing laws that cover the crime.
“Hate speech at its core stems from a perception of difference that breeds exclusion where the ‘other’ is seen as alien, inferior or undeserving of equal consideration,” Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said in the 125-page judgment.
Published – 29 Apr 2026 11:57 IST
