Today, On 24th February, BJP leader PC George surrendered before a court in Erattupetta, Kerala, on Monday over a hate speech case. The case pertains to alleged inflammatory remarks made by him. Legal proceedings are now underway following his surrender. Authorities are expected to take further action based on the court’s directives.
Kottayam: BJP leader P.C. George surrendered to a court in Erattupetta on Monday in relation to a hate speech case.
A police officer confirmed to reporters,
“We have received information that George has appeared before the court.”
George’s surrender followed the Kerala High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail plea, prompting the police to seek his custody. On Saturday, George had requested an extension until February 24 to present himself for questioning regarding the hate speech allegations.
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The High Court dismissed his petition, stating that granting bail in such a matter would convey the wrong message to society. George, a former MLA, is accused of making inflammatory remarks against a minority community during a discussion on a TV channel.
After the Kottayam District Sessions Court denied his anticipatory bail request, he approached the High Court. The case initiated by Muhamed Shihab, a leader of the Muslim Youth League, who claimed that George’s comments could incite religious hatred.
He has been charged under Sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act.
Also Read: Supreme Court Fails to Hear Petitions on Hate Speech as Scheduled
Hate speech laws vary by country, but here are key legal provisions related to hate speech in major jurisdictions:
India
Hate speech in India is primarily governed by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other special laws:
- Section 153A IPC – Promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
- Section 295A IPC – Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
- Section 505 IPC – Statements conducing to public mischief, including inciting violence or promoting enmity.
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (Section 66A) – Previously used to penalize offensive online speech (struck down in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, 2015).
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Section 123(3)) – Prohibits hate speech in elections based on religion, caste, or language.
BJP leader P.C. George surrendered before the Erattupetta court in Kerala after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a hate speech case. The case stems from remarks he made on January 5, 2025, during a television discussion, where he allegedly labeled all Muslims in India as terrorists and communalists.
A complaint filed by Muslim Youth League leader Muhamed Shihab, leading to a police case under Sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the BNS, along with Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act. The Kerala High Court denied his bail, citing previous violations of bail conditions in similar cases, and stressed that granting bail would set a wrong precedent.
Following this, George surrendered before the court. BJP workers have protested the move, with party leaders stating that George’s surrender is a form of political protest. He has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including past derogatory comments against women and communal remarks, for which he was arrested in 2022 but later granted bail.
This case highlights ongoing concerns over hate speech and communal harmony in India, with the judiciary playing a crucial role in addressing such sensitive matters.