Social activist Muhammad Jameel Merchant has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, raising concerns about hate speeches by politicians Nitesh Rane and Ramgiri Maharaj. He alleges inaction by the Maharashtra police and government in addressing these inflammatory speeches, which he claims incite communal discord.
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NEW DELHI: A social activist, Muhammad Jameel Merchant, has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India, raising serious concerns about the increasing number of hate speeches being delivered by politician Nitesh Rane and other individuals, particularly Ramgiri Maharaj. Merchant’s plea points to the alleged inaction of the Maharashtra police and the state government in addressing these provocative and inflammatory speeches, which, he argues, are designed to instigate communal disharmony and grab media attention.
Nitesh Rane, the son of prominent politician Narayan Rane and a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, has been accused of making inflammatory remarks that target specific communities. Merchant, in his petition, highlights one such instance where Rane allegedly threatened to “bulldoze” a particular community. This statement, according to the petition, is a deliberate attempt to “incite communal tensions” and disrupt social harmony.
Merchant’s writ petition, accepted by the Supreme Court on [insert date], stresses the dangerous implications of such hate speech, particularly in a diverse and multi-religious society like India. By not taking swift action, the plea argues, the Maharashtra police and the state government are complicit in allowing communal tensions to fester.
Merchant, in his plea for interim relief, has made several demands aimed at curbing the menace of hate speech. The foremost request is the immediate arrest of Nitesh Rane and Ramgiri Maharaj, both of whom, according to Merchant, have been frequently delivering hate-filled speeches that are detrimental to societal peace. The petition emphasizes that without swift punitive measures, such individuals will continue to incite unrest.
In addition to calling for the arrest of these individuals, Merchant has demanded that they be barred from addressing public rallies or participating in election campaigns. This step, the petition argues, would prevent further inflammatory remarks from being made in public spaces where large crowds can be influenced by divisive rhetoric.
Merchant has also made a broader suggestion for a special law that mandates swift police action against any form of hate speech. This would ensure that law enforcement agencies respond promptly to such incidents, avoiding delays that could lead to an escalation of communal tensions.
A key element of Merchant’s petition is the call for strict legal consequences against those who engage in hate speech.
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According to the plea-
“there must be stringent penalties and criminal consequences”
to act as a deterrent for those who might consider making such statements in the future.
Merchant argues that hate speech, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent where public figures feel emboldened to use divisive and inflammatory language to gain political traction. This, in turn, would erode the principles of secularism and unity that are foundational to the Indian Constitution.
The petition does not shy away from accusing politicians like Nitesh Rane of using hate speech as a tool to attract media attention. By making controversial and provocative statements, Rane and others aim to stay in the news cycle, gaining visibility and recognition through sensationalism. The petition highlights this strategy as particularly harmful, as it perpetuates a cycle of hate-filled rhetoric that ultimately influences public opinion and deepens communal divides.
“The careless use of language by elected officials, particularly those in positions of power, conveys a harmful message to society as a whole.”
-Merchant stated in his petition, urging the court to take a stand against the normalization of hate speech in political discourse.
The petition takes a critical stance on the perceived inaction of the Maharashtra police and the state government in dealing with the issue of hate speech. According to Merchant, despite numerous complaints and public outcry, no significant action has been taken to hold these politicians accountable.
Merchant argues that this inaction is both negligent and dangerous, as it gives the impression that hate speech is tolerated or even condoned by the authorities. The writ petition calls for greater accountability from the state government and law enforcement agencies, insisting that they uphold their duty to protect communal harmony and take strong action against those who seek to disrupt it.
“Failing to take action against politicians delivering hate-filled speeches reflects the state’s failure to uphold its responsibility to ensure public safety and maintain communal harmony.”
-the petition states, further asserting that a zero-tolerance policy towards hate speech is essential to safeguard the nation’s social fabric.
The issue of hate speech in India has been a recurring problem, with several political figures across different states being accused of using inflammatory language to mobilize support. However, there has been limited legal action to curb this practice. Merchant’s petition is part of a larger movement advocating for stricter laws and quicker enforcement against hate speech.
Merchant emphasizes the need for legal precedents that discourage the use of communal rhetoric for political gain.
“A clear message must be sent that hate speech has no place in our society, and those who partake in it will face immediate and serious consequences.”
-the petition asserts.
