In response to the escalating incidents of hate speech across the country, the Supreme Court has taken action by issuing notices to the states of Gujarat, Kerala, Nagaland, and Tamil Nadu. The court has directed these states to clarify whether they have appointed nodal officers to address this critical issue. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for February 5, 2024.

The central government has submitted a comprehensive status report indicating that 28 states have already appointed nodal officers within their respective regions. However, Assistant Solicitor General (ASG) K.M. Natarajan informed the court that Gujarat, Kerala, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have not yet filed their responses. Furthermore, information regarding the appointment of nodal officers in these states is currently unavailable.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court sought clarification on how many states have submitted their responses. The Bengal government, in its response, informed the court that it has appointed a nodal officer to address hate speech issues within its jurisdiction.

ASG K.M. Natarajan highlighted that on October 11, the Home Secretary had convened a meeting with representatives from all states. During this meeting, information was provided about the necessary steps to be taken, and states were urged to submit compliance reports. The bench of Justice Sanjeev Khanna and Justice S V Bhatti noted that notices would be issued to the states, requiring them to confirm whether nodal officers have been appointed or not.

In a noteworthy exchange during the proceedings, lawyer Nizam Pasha, representing the petitioner, raised concerns about individuals delivering hate speeches and subsequently being allowed to address gatherings again. Justice Khanna responded by stating that the court cannot deal with individual cases and suggested that concerned parties should approach the relevant High Court.

Case: Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union Of India & Ors. and connected matters,

W.P.(C) No. 943/2021.