No Hate Speech Offence by Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma: Supreme Court Dismisses Brinda Karat’s Plea

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognizable offence was made out against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma for their alleged hate speeches during the 2020 protests.

The Bench upheld the Delhi High Court's view that the speeches did not target specific communities or incite public disorder.

While the Court set aside the HC’s observation that prior sanction is required for registering an FIR at the pre-cognizance stage, it found no merit in the plea to initiate criminal proceedings.

The Court concluded that after reviewing the material and status reports, the allegations did not warrant the registration of an FIR.

[Brinda Karat v. State of NCT of Delhi]