The Delhi High Court today has issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government and Delhi Police on a petition seeking FIR against certain Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders, over their alleged hate speech.
A division bench comprising of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar directed the respondents (Centre, Delhi government and Delhi Police) to file their reply on the petition filed by a group – Lawyers Voice, seeking directions to constitute a Special Investigation Team for appropriate action and registration of FIR against Congress leaders – Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AAP leaders – Manish Sisodia and Amanatullah Khan and AIMIM leaders – Waris Pathan and Akbaruddin Owaisi and advocate Mehmood Pracha.
The Lawyers’ Group claimed that the leaders have provoked the people to come out on the streets to fight against the government. The counsel for the petitioner has further read out the speeches made by Sonia Gandhi, Manish Sisodia, and others and stated that they were against national interest and provoked the masses.
As per sources, Sonia Gandhi during a rally has said that “If we want to save the country, then we have to fight hard. We have to raise voice and let Modi and Shah’s government know that we are ready to sacrifice everything to protect our democracy. We are ready to sacrifice everything.”
“Issue directions to constitute an SIT to look into these hate speeches and take appropriate action. Issue direction to register an FIR against those named in the petition” stated the plea.
Earlier on 27 February, several pleas relating to hate speeches by certain political leaders were moved in the High Court alleging that the speeches had led to communal tensions and resulted in the death of many people in northeast Delhi. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe against Amanatullah Khan, actor Swara Bhaskar and radio jockey Sayema for alleged hate speech has also been sought in a plea.
The petitioners maintained that if the relief sought was not granted, hardship is likely to be continued.
Further, the matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on 13 April.
