Nuh Violence: Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum Writes To CJI Seeking Action Against Videos Calling For 'Economic Boycott' Of Certain Communities

The Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum on Thursday sent a letter petition to the Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, seeking action against videos circulating on social media calling for economic boycott of certain communities in the aftermath of Nuh violence in Haryana.

Signed by a total 101 female lawyers, the letter petition has urged the Supreme Court to direct the Haryana Government to take steps to prevent incidents of hate speech, ban videos of such speech in accordance with law and to take immediate action against those found responsible for committing such acts.

Expressing deep concern over circulation of hate speech videos and incitement of targeted violence, the lawyers have written,

“We, as members of the legal community and of The Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum, residing in Delhi and Gurgaon, have approached Your Lordship, vide this Letter Petition, to bring to your notice the fact that hate speech videos are circulating on social media which purport to have been recorded at rallies in Haryana. We humbly seek urgent and expeditious directions to the State of Haryana to prevent incidents of hate speech and to take action against those who have perpetrated it, in violation of directions repeatedly issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and to immediately track and ban these videos that amplify hate speech and create an atmosphere of fear.”

The letter petition further refers to the suo motu cognizance taken by the Punjab and Haryana High Court with respect to illegal demolitions by the State authorities and states that the “swift and sensitive approach” has gone a long way in building confidence of citizens in the rule of law.

“Despite such repeated guidelines and directions [passed by the Supreme Court], the unprecedented incidents of hate speech in Nuh and other districts, reveal a comprehensive failure on the part of the State Administration and Police to implement preventive measures, as well as, to have appropriate responsive measures during, and after, these incidents of hate speech,” the letter petition states.

It adds, “Unchecked hate speech in rallies and speeches not only carry the risk of inciting violence but also, foster and spread an environment and culture of communal fear, harassment, and discrimination.”

Also Read: Plea Against Boycott Calls | Supreme Court Says Hate Speech Problem Must End; Moots Plan to Direct Police Chief to Form District-Level Committees

Click Here To Read Letter Petition