The Uttarakhand government told the Court that it has registered 4 first information reports (FIRs) against members of a particular community and a fifth FIR against members of another community for inflammatory speeches.
Counsel for the State also alleged that there is an attempt by the petitioners to paint one community in a particular manner.
“It is an attempt to colour a community in a certain way and the community they are trying to protect is also here. We are maintaining harmony,” he submitted.
The Court was then informed by the petitioner that a Dharam Sansad is scheduled to be held at Roorkee for tomorrow.
The Uttarakhand government maintained that it will do its best to prevent any hate speech.
“It is your duty. You are not doing us a favour,” the Bench said.
It then recorded the State’s submission that preventive measures have been taken and directed the Chief Secretary to file an affidavit to that effect.
“We are informed another Dharam Sansad is planned in Roorkee tomorrow and another application has been filed against it. Counsel for Uttarakhand submits that all preventive measures have been taken as per Supreme Court decisions. Uttarakhand says authorities are confident that no such untoward statement will be made during the event and all steps as per decisions of this court will be taken. We direct the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to place above position on record and apprise us about the corrective measures,” the Court said in its order.
The Court also ordered the Himachal Pradesh government to file an affidavit showing the steps it took to prevent such hate speeches.
“Counsel for Himachal Pradesh informs that preventive steps were taken and the guidelines laid down in the Poonawalla case has also been taken up. Let an affidavit be filed showing the status. List this application on May 9,” the Court directed.
Source: Barandbench
