Supreme Court Slams Hate Speech PIL: Petitions Must Be Impartial, Not Target Single Party
Supreme Court Slams Hate Speech PIL: Petitions Must Be Impartial, Not Target Single Party
New Delhi, February 18, 2026
Chief Justice Surya Kant-led bench rebuked PIL filers seeking hate speech curbs, insisting petitions remain neutral. Court refused selective targeting of BJP leaders like Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
Court’s Sharp Questions
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued toxic national atmosphere demands intervention. Bench countered: Why only BJP-ruled state CMs named? Other parties’ leaders don’t indulge? CJI: “Bring impartial petition; restraint must bind all parties equally.”
PIL Targets Named
Harsh Mander, Najeeb Jung, John Dayal’s petition listed:
-
Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam CM)
-
Yogi Adityanath (UP CM)
-
Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra Dy CM)
-
Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand CM)
-
Giriraj Singh (Union Minister)
Next Steps
Court granted Sibal 2 weeks to amend petition, remove personal references for constitutional focus. Demands: Mandatory “constitutional morality” for officials; binding hate speech guidelines.
Justice Nagarathna: Judicial orders can’t change thought process – solution lies in constitutional fidelity across politics.
Leave a comment
Related News
FACT News TV
View AllBreaking News
View All
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Day: 75 Minority Files Approved, Deputy...
February 18, 2026
Supreme Court Slams Hate Speech PIL: Petitions Must Be Impartial,...
February 18, 2026
YouTube Services Crash Globally: India Users Among Millions Hit
February 18, 2026
Russia-India Imports Plunge 40%: US Tariff Pressure Paying Off?
February 18, 2026
Punjab’s 13 Districts Face Rain & Storm Alert Today
February 18, 2026
Advertisement
Editor’s Desk
View All
What led to the NDA victory in Bihar polls?
November 14, 2025
Punjab needs a comprehensive land-use policy
May 29, 2025
