The Supreme Court of India has taken proactive measures to address concerns related to potential hate speeches during upcoming rallies organized by a Hindu outfit and BJP legislator T Raja Singh. A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, while refusing to stay the scheduled rallies, directed the district magistrate and superintendent of police of Yavatmal in Maharashtra and Raipur in Chhattisgarh to ensure that no hate speeches take place during these events.

The court's decision came in response to an application filed by Shaheen Abdulla, wherein allegations of hate speeches during rallies were brought to its attention. The bench emphasized that the parties accused of delivering hate speeches were not present before the court, leading to the refusal to stay the scheduled rallies.

However, the court issued specific directives to the district magistrates and SPs of both districts to install CCTV cameras at the rally venues with recording capabilities. This measure aims to facilitate the identification of individuals involved in hate speech incidents, should any occur.

The application highlighted the concerns surrounding a scheduled rally of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in Yavatmal district on January 18, with apprehensions of potential hate speeches. Similarly, it pointed out the scheduled rallies of BJP legislator T Raja Singh in Raipur district from January 19-25, where similar concerns were raised.

While the petitioner sought the revocation of permission for these rallies, the court, in its wisdom, declined this request. Instead, the bench emphasized that existing guidelines issued by the court to prevent such incidents should be adhered to.

Case: Shaheen Abdullah vs. Union of India & Ors.