Supreme Court Condemns Anti-Muslim Boycott Calls Following Nuh Violence, Considers DGP-Led Committee
In response to the recent outbreak of violence in Nuh, Haryana, the Supreme Court has strongly criticized calls for boycotting the Muslim community. The court, presided over by Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SV Bhatti, has suggested the establishment of a committee led by the Director General of Police (DGP) to review cases related to the communal clashes in Nuh.
Justice Khanna emphasized the need for harmony between communities, expressing his concern over the unacceptable nature of the boycott calls. He proposed forming a committee composed of three to four officers nominated by the DGP to scrutinize evidence and determine the authenticity of materials. The committee would also provide directions to the concerned officers, aiming to sensitize the police force at various levels.
The bench's considerations stem from a plea filed by Shaheen Abdullah against calls urging the boycott and isolation of Muslims after the violent incidents. The plea highlighted a video circulating on social media, showing members of the Samhast Hindu Samaj issuing warnings of boycotts to residents and shopkeepers in Hisar, Haryana. These warnings were reportedly made in the presence of police officials.
The petitioner argued that such speeches and rallies demonizing communities and advocating violence have far-reaching consequences, leading to communal disharmony and widespread violence across the nation. The plea sought the court's intervention to prevent hate speech rallies for the sake of communal harmony.
During the proceedings, the Central government, represented by additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, affirmed its opposition to hate speech. However, it acknowledged challenges in effectively addressing hate speech in certain areas.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal highlighted that the concerning speeches were made in the presence of the police.
The court adjourned the case until the following Friday, August 18, for further deliberation.
According to Hindustan Times, the Nuh violence erupted on July 31 when a mob attacked a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession amidst rumors of cow vigilante Monu Manesar's involvement.
NDTV reported that the clashes resulted in five fatalities and around 70 injuries, including police personnel. The police have taken action by filing approximately 40 cases and detaining over 80 individuals in connection with the communal violence.
In response to the violence, the VHP announced its intention to hold protests in the National Capital Region (NCR). Seeking to prevent any escalation, the Supreme Court was approached to halt these protests. However, on August 2, the Court declined to issue a stay order, instead instructing the State government and Delhi police to ensure that protest rallies remained free from hate speech and violence.
TAGS: Supreme Court Anti-Muslim Boycott Calls Nuh Violence DGP-Led Committee Communal Clashes Harmony Sensitizing Police Hate Speech Committee Formation Social Media Video Petition Shaheen Abdullah Samhast Hindu Samaj Police Presence Communal Disharmony Central Government Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj Kapil Sibal Adjournment Vishwa Hindu Parishad Monu Manesar Clashes Fatalities Injuries Protest National Capital Region Delhi Police Stay Order.
