New Delhi: Amid the increasing incidents of hate speech, the Supreme Court raised many questions from the Central Government on Wednesday. At the same time, he expressed serious concern over the lack of an effective mechanism to control the media. The apex court has also questioned the role of TV anchors in giving space to hate mongers in its debates.
The Supreme Court has questioned why the government is standing as a "silent spectator" for hate speech. A bench headed by Justice KM Joseph also asked the Law Commission to clarify its stand on the recommendations made in its 267th report to deal with the menace. The court has said that "The role of a TV anchor is very important. Hate speech either happens on mainstream television or happens through social media which is not very much under control. Mainstream television channels still dominate.''
The bench further said, 'The role of the anchor is also important because as soon as you see someone making controversial or provocative statements, it is the duty of the anchor to immediately interrupt that person and stop him from speaking further. Unfortunately, at times when someone wants to say something, the anchor becomes silent. The person is not given proper time. Justice Joseph said, 'Hate speech is a complete dissolution of poison. It cannot be allowed. We should have a proper legal framework. Until we have a framework, people will continue to do so.'
Politicians benefit the most from hate speech. In view of this, the court said, 'Political parties will come and go. No country can progress without a completely free press. There should be a free debate. You should also know what the limits of the debate are. Freedom of speech is really for the benefit of the listener. After listening to a debate the listener makes up his mind. But how will he make up his mind after hearing the hate speech?'
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