Activists Demand Action Against Hate Speech In Karnataka Ahead Of State Elections

A group of concerned citizens from Bengaluru consisting of independent activists and civil society groups met with the IGP-Public Grievances and HR at the State Police Head Quarters on Tuesday, 21 February. They expressed their concern about unchecked hate speeches being delivered in poll-bound Karnataka in the guise of public rallies and speeches.

The delegation submitted a memorandum requesting the police to register suo motu FIRs against hate speeches aimed the Muslim community, especially those targeting Muslim women. They listed some recent hate speeches, including one where the Sri Rama Sene chief, Pramod Muthalik, openly called upon young Hindu men to trap or lure ten Muslim girls for every Hindu girl “lost” to “love jihad.” Muthalik had also previously asked all Hindus to keep sharp weapons at home. Other examples of hate speech included speeches by Karnataka Minister for Higher Education Ashwath Narayan, RSS convenor Sharan Pumpwell, and Kali Swamy.

The activists demanded that the police take action against all repeat offenders, including Muthalik, and register FIRs under Sections 153(a)(b) and 505(2) of the IPC. They also requested that the police register suo motu FIRs in all future cases of hate speech, investigate them thoroughly and quickly, and share the results publicly. The activists noted that hate speech was becoming more vicious, and they had compiled a set of recent hate speeches in the memorandum handed over to the state’s top police brass.

After a demonstration in front of the DG-IGP’s office, the delegation met with the IGP, who said that the police could not register suo motu FIRs. The delegation disagreed, citing Supreme Court guidelines that require police to register FIRs in cognizable cases, even when there is no complaint. They requested an appointment with the DGP to discuss preventive steps in detail.

Overall, the concerned citizens from Bengaluru expressed their worry about the growing number of hate speeches in poll-bound Karnataka and requested action from the police to prevent further occurrences.