Hate speech: SC says role of TV anchors critical, asks why govt a mute spectator

Edited By: Vikas Mavi

21 September 2022 (New Delhi): The Supreme Court slammed television networks on Wednesday while hearing appeals regarding incidents of hate speech. Supreme court stated that the role of anchor is very critical and Political parties are profiting from it. Hate Speech occurs on social media or on television. Justice KM Joseph during today’s hearing said that, “As far as mainstream televisions are concerned, the role of the anchor is very important.”

Why hasn’t any action been taken on this issue till now?

Justice Joseph questioned, why is the government acting as a “mute-spectator?” The government should not take an adversarial stance but should instead assist. How come you haven’t filed a counter? He went on to say that most of the time, those who want to speak are silenced.

Multiple petitions filed against hate speech

A bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikseh Roy was hearing a slew of petitions seeking action against hate speech incidents. The Supreme Court emphasised that politicians benefit the most from hate speech, and television channels provide a platform for it. Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, who was representing one of the petitioners, agreed, saying, “Channels and politicians feed on such speech.” Channels make money by keeping 10 people in debates. “The industry is completely unregulated.”

The court has asked for an affidavit

According to Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, 14 states have filed responses with the Supreme Court. The court requested an affidavit from the central government compiling the inputs from the states and scheduled the case for further consideration in November 23.