Hate speech cases: BJP MPs, MLAs tops in list with highest cases
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New Delhi: About 107 reported cases of hate speeches filed against MPs and MLAs across the country, early 40 per cent of these cases have been linked to the BJP, with Uttar Pradesh topping the list in the highest number of hate speeches among states, according to a report.
A report released by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) has exposed the prevalence of hate speech cases among sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) in India.
The report, compiled by analyzing self-sworn affidavits filed by politicians prior to the last elections they contested, discloses that a total of 107 MPs and MLAs are facing hate speech charges. Notably, nearly 40% of these cases are linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling political party in India.
According to the report, hate speech, although not clearly defined, falls under sections 153(A), 153(B), 295(A), 298, 505(1), and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, sections 8, 123(3A), and 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, also address candidates whose actions amount to hate speech.
The BJP stands out in the report as the political party with the highest number of MPs and MLAs facing hate speech charges. Out of the 33 sitting MPs with declared cases, 22 belong to the BJP. Other parties implicated include the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), AIMIM, AIUDF, DMK, MDMK, Pattali Makkal Katchi, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and one independent MP.
Among the 74 MLAs with declared hate speech cases, 20 are affiliated with the BJP. The Congress, AAP, Samajwadi Party, YSR Congress Party, DMK, RJD, Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena, AIUDF, AIMIM, CPI(M), NCP, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, TDP, Tipra Motha Party, BRS, and two independent MLAs also have representatives facing hate speech charges.
Uttar Pradesh tops the list with seven sitting MPs implicated in hate speech cases, followed by Tamil Nadu with four. Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana each have three, while Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal each have two MPs facing charges. States like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, and Punjab have one MP each embroiled in hate speech cases.
In terms of MLAs, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lead with nine representatives each facing hate speech charges. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana each have six MLAs, while Assam and Tamil Nadu have five each. Delhi, Gujarat, and West Bengal have four MLAs each, and Jharkhand and Uttarakhand have three each. Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Tripura have two MLAs each, while Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have one MLA each facing hate speech charges.
The report raises concern about the impact of hate speech on communal harmony and recommends strict action against candidates found guilty of hate speech before, during, and after elections.
ADR supports recommendations from the Law Commission's report, advocating for new provisions in the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to address hate speech.
Additionally, the report suggests monitoring online platforms for unlawful statements and penalizing individuals found guilty, as social media has been misused by political parties for making such statements.
As the nation grapples with the implications of hate speech within political circles, there is a growing call for legislative measures and strict enforcement to curb this alarming trend and preserve the democratic fabric of the country.