It is a known fact that the cases of hate speech are on a rise in the country for the past few years. Journalist Shaheen Abdullah approached the Supreme Court regarding the communal clashes happening due to the hate speeches.

In this context, the apex court on Friday directed the Central government to form a committee to look into these cases.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjeev Khanna and NVN Bhatti heard a petition filed by journalist Shaheen Abdullah seeking a direction to the Center to clamp down on hate speech.

“There has to be harmony and comity between the communities. All the communities are responsible. The problem of hate speech is not good and nobody can accept it,” the Supreme Court said.

Additional Solicitor General KM Natarajan, who appeared on behalf of the Centre, has been directed to reply to them by August 18 regarding the formation of the committee. The bench also directed the petitioner to provide videos and other information related to hate speech to the nodal officers. The bench adjourned the further hearing to August 18.