The Rise of Hate Speech in India: Matters that needs attention before 2025 Start !

In recent years, India has experienced a significant increase in hate speech, which is harmful language used to insult or harm people based on their religion, race, or beliefs. Hate speech in India has become a serious problem, affecting the peace and unity of the country. In this article, we will discuss what hate speech is, why it has increased, how it affects people, and what can be done to stop it.

What is Hate Speech ?

Hate speech refers to words, signs, or actions that spread hatred or violence against a particular group of people, usually based on their religion, race, caste, or ethnicity. It can take many forms, from offensive comments to more serious threats of harm. Hate speech can be found in public speeches, social media, or even casual conversations.

The rise of hate speech is worrying because it divides communities, spreads fear, and can even lead to violence.

The Rise of Hate Speech in India

India is the home of many religions and cultures. Unfortunately, hate speech has become more common in recent years. According to recent reports by India Hate Lab, hate speech incidents increased by 45% between 2020 and 2022. In 2023 alone, there were 668 documented cases of hate speech targeting Muslims. Most of these incidents occurred in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. In fact, 75% of the hate speech incidents in 2023 took place in BJP-ruled states.

The rise of hate speech often coincides with political events, especially elections. Political leaders and religious groups sometimes use hate speech to gain support from certain sections of society. For example, during the 2023 elections, hate speech incidents peaked, particularly during rallies and speeches by political figures. Some speeches by leaders of groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal contributed to 32% of hate speech events. Currently, Manipur Is facing same issue of hate speech between two communities Meiteis and Kuki-Zo.

How Hate Speech Spreads on Social Media ?

One of the main reasons for the increase in hate speech in India is the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. These platforms allow people to easily share messages, videos, and posts. Unfortunately, many people misuse these platforms to spread hate speech. Harmful messages targeting specific religious or ethnic groups are often shared widely, reaching large audiences in a short amount of time.

In some cases, hate speech on social media is organized. Groups or individuals plan and spread harmful content with the intent of creating division. This problem worsened during international conflicts, such as the Israel-Gaza war, where online messages in India fuelled anti-Muslim sentiments.

Legal Action Against Hate Speech in India

India has strict laws to prevent hate speech. For example, Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) makes it illegal to promote enmity between different groups based on religion, race, or language. Similarly, Section 295A punishes anyone who deliberately insults the religious beliefs of others. These laws are in place to protect the harmony and peace of the country.

However, despite these laws, the conviction rate for hate speech cases remains low, at less than 10%. Part of the problem is that hate speech cases often take years to go through the courts, and some offenders get away without punishment. In addition, politicians or public figures involved in hate speech sometimes face little to no legal consequences.

The Supreme Court of India has taken notice of the problem and has asked state governments to take strong action against hate speech. The court has even suggested cancelling the bail of repeat offenders who continue to engage in such harmful activities. But there is still a long way to go in ensuring that these laws are strictly enforced.

The Impact of Hate Speech on Society

Hate Speech in India has serious effects on individuals and society. It can hurt the feelings of targeted communities, make them feel unsafe, and create divisions within society. In severe situations, hate speech can result in physical violence. For example, the rise of hate speech in India has sometimes resulted in violent incidents, where people from different religious or ethnic groups clash with each other.

Hate speech also affects the overall harmony of the country. India has a rich history of different communities living together peacefully, but hate speech undermines this unity. It creates mistrust between groups and can even damage relationships between neighbors and friends.

Another worrying aspect is that hate speech is often used to gain political power. Some leaders use hateful language to win votes from one group while demonizing another. This strategy of using hate speech during elections to divide people is dangerous, as it can deepen social and religious tensions in the long run.

What Can Be Done to Stop Hate Speech?

Stopping the rise of hate speech in India is important to protect the country’s unity and peace. Some actions that can be taken including:

1. Enforcing the Law: The government must strictly enforce laws against hate speech and ensure that those who break these laws are punished. This will send a message that hate speech will not be tolerated.
2. Education and Awareness: Schools and communities should teach people about the dangers of hate speech and promote respect for all religions and cultures. Awareness campaigns can help people understand how harmful hate speech is and encourage them to report it when they see it.
3. Regulating Social Media: Social media platforms should take more responsibility in monitoring and removing hate speech. India’s IT rules already require platforms to remove harmful content within 36 hours of being notified, but these rules need to be enforced more effectively. Platforms must also work to prevent organized hate speech campaigns.
4. Election Oversight: The Election Commission of India should closely monitor speeches made during election campaigns. Politicians who use hate speech should face strict penalties, including disqualification from contesting elections.
5. Promoting Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue between different communities is another important step in preventing hate speech. When people from different backgrounds come together to discuss their differences and similarities, it helps reduce misunderstandings and builds trust.
6. Supporting Victims: Those affected by hate speech should receive support from the government and community organizations. This includes legal help, counselling, and protection if they are at risk of violence.

Matters that requires our attention as a Citizen

The rise of hate speech in India is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Hate speech divides people and damages the peaceful coexistence that India is known for. While laws exist to prevent it, stronger enforcement is needed to punish those who spread hate. At the same time, education, social media regulation, and political accountability are key to stopping the spread of hate speech. By working together, the government, social media companies, and citizens can help reduce hate speech and promote a more peaceful and united India.

Read Our Web Stories Here