Today, the Supreme Court of India directs authorities to ensure that no violence should take place in the protest held by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in various parts of Delhi-National Capital Region.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Justice SV Bhatti pointed out that the Supreme Court has already passed orders in October 2022 and April 2023 directing the police to register suo motu FIR against hate speech crimes.

The protest is being done in the wake of the communal violence in Nuh and Gurugram in Haryana.

Further, the Court asked the Delhi Police, and the Governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to ensure that no untoward incident takes place in the rallies. The Court also directed the authorities to video record the rallies in sensitive areas and preserve the footages.

Senior Advocate Chander Singh, appearing for the petitioner, said that twenty three marches have been announced by VHP-Bajrang Dal in various parts of Delhi.

He said that hate speeches were made in the rallies which have already been held in the Delhi-NCR today forenoon and more rallies are going to happen today in sensitive areas.

Justice Khanna said : "There cannot be any quarrel on the proposition that hate speeches do vitiate the atmosphere. Mr.Raju, please ensure that the authorities must take adequate precautions to ensure that there is no violence and there are no hate speeches".

"Please get in touch with the authorities immediately to ensure that nothing untoward happens and at least there are no hate speeches or violence at all. And wherever you think are sensitive areas, take additional precautions in the form of additional police force. Also, deploy CCTV cameras to ensure everything is recorded", Justice Khanna told the ASG.

"We hope and trust that the State Governments, including the police authorities, will ensure that there are no hate speeches against any community and there is no violence or damage to properties. Wherever required, adequate police force or paramilitary forces will be deployed. Further, authorities including the police will take use of the CCTV cameras where installed or make video recordings in all sensitive areas wherever required. The CCTV footage and the videos will be preserved".

The bench directed the Registry to communicate the order to the Standing Counsels of the Governments of NCT of Delhi, Haryana and UP.