An application has been moved in the Supreme Court arguing that Hindus too are entitled to the constitutional protection of their religious beliefs and practices under Article 25 and insulated from hate speeches by members of other communities.

The application has been moved by Satish Kumar Aggarwal, former vice-president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, in connection with a batch of petitions filed by individuals and organisations seeking strict action against those indulging in hate speech.

“That the applicant further submits that members of the Hindu community, like members of other communities, are equally entitled to protection from speech that promotes enmity, violence, or social boycott. Any speech that incites hatred or violence against any religious group, including Hindus or Muslims, is violative of statutory and constitutional provisions and must be dealt with strictly in accordance with law,” the intervention application filed through advocate Barun Kumar Sinha stated.

According to the application, which has sought the court’s permission for intervening in the pending case, hate speech, irrespective of the identity of the speaker or the community targeted, undermines constitutional values enshrined in Articles 14 (equality), 15 (non-discrimination), 19 (freedom of speech), 21 (life and personal liberty) and 25 (respective religious rights) of the Constitution.

“...The applicant submits that the issue requires a balanced, community-neutral and constitutionally consistent approach,” the application pleaded.