Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Laws Preventing Racial Discrimination Against North East Indians

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking to amend the provisions of the Indian Penal Code to prevent racial discrimination against North East Indians. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha.

The petition moved by Jyoti Zongluju also sought for insertion of chapters on geography, history, demography, culture, and heritage of North East India. It further sought for directions to YouTube to ban or suspend accounts of users engaging in racial discrimination against North East Indians.

At the very outset, CJI DY Chandrachud stated that these were matters which fell under the domain of the parliament. He said–

"You say that frame a law. That is a matter of statutory discretion of the Parliament. Regarding the insertion of chapters, that's a matter of education policy. About YouTube videos, you have to move to the police and they will pull it down if in any given video there is a violation."

The petitioner further argued

"There is Justice J.S. Verma committee which recommended amendments to the IPC offences under section 153 and 509A. Despite of approval from the Parliament, nothing has been done to till now. We north-east people are facing this kind of racial discrimination. During COVID also, we have been thrown out of our houses."

However, the bench remained unconvinced. CJI Chandrachud stated–

"Ma'am, every ill in the society does not justify the court stepping in. You want the provisions of the IPC to be amended? That is not our remit. You have to move to the members of Parliament. Parliament must then amend the law. Second, you want chapters to be included in history and geography. I mean, I have very strong views. There are many who say teach them environment, teach them this. We should be teaching children as less as possible and open up their mind. Instead we are only giving them an information overload. But that is a matter of policy. You ultimately pursue your case before the education authority. Why should we issue these directions?"

Accordingly, the bench told the petitioner to approach appropriate authorities and the petition was dismissed.

CASE TITLE: Jyoti Zongluju v. UoI And Ors. WP(C) No. 629/2021 

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