APCR moved to Delhi Court against Suresh Chavahnke Hate Speech

APCR moved to Delhi Court against Suresh Chavahnke Hate Speech

Mr, Huzaifa

New Delhi – Hate speeches are a serious threat to the inclusivity, diversity and social cohesion of our nation and the venomous ideas of hatemongers are slowly killing our vibrant society.

The complainant who is a public-spirited citizen approached us for legal advice and legal assistance against the hate speech made by Suresh Chavahnke in December last year in Delhi. With the help of our counsels, the complaint was drafted and filed under Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 298, and 504, 505(2) and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 against Suresh Chavhanke in Govindpuri Police Station on December 25, 2021. An enquiry officer was assigned to our complaint no. 89550022102594 but no immediate action was taken despite the seriousness of the offence.

No preliminary inquiry is required in the present case as the inflammatory, communal and hate speeches were made by the accused persons during public events and the videos of the same are in the public domain.

Seeing no immediate action and progress on the complaint, a representation was also made to the Deputy Commissioner of Police of South East District through email to demand immediate action on the hate speech to maintain public peace and tranquility.

After acknowledging no appropriate legal action being taken by the police, a plea was filed in Saket District Court seeking directions to police for the registration of FIR and arrest of the accused as per law on our complaint dated December 25, 2021 to prevent any incidents of violence due to his hate-speech.

Suresh Chavhanke, Chief Editor of Sudarshan News on 19th December 2021 at an event organised by ‘Hindu Yuva Vahini’ at Banarasidas Chandiwala Auditorium near Govindpuri Metro Station, New Delhi made a speech and endorsed violence against religious minorities. His speech was in clear violation of law, disrupting communal harmony, inciting hatred, discrimination and are prejudicial to national integrity.

The matter was listed today before Metropolitan Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh of the Saket Courts who issued notice and sought an action taken report from the Delhi police. The matter will be next heard on March 15.

Syed Qasim Rassool Ilyas who is the petitioner in the instant case said, ” Despite all the available electronic evidence against Suresh Chavahanke and after approaching all the ranks in police hierarchy, no action was taken on my complaint in due time.”

“The laxity of Delhi Police forced us to move the hon’ble court for seeking appropriate legal remedy in the interest of justice. I am receiving pro bono legal assistance from APCR through Advocates Tara Narula and Tamanna Pankaj.”

The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) is vigilant in the fight against hate and has been advocating against hate speech and hate crimes for a long time to mitigate the menace of hatred in the country. We also provide legal assistance to victims of hate-based crimes and discrimination. We firmly believe in our constitutional scheme and are working to preserve it to harness justice for all.

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“Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) is a civil rights advocacy group dedicated to the protection and advancement of civil and human rights in India. APCR is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that was set up in the year 2006 to defend the rights of the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society. The network of APCR is spread over the length and breadth of the country who are tirelessly engaged in the promotion of equity and justice.”