The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to ban nation-wide rallies of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal but issued a directive to the police authorities, urging them to prevent any violence or hate speeches during the rallies in different parts of Delhi-National Capital Region. The rallies were organised in response to communal violence in Nuh and Gurugram, Haryana. The top court also issued notice to the Haryana government, Delhi government and fixed next hearing on August 4.
During a special sitting at 2 pm to address an urgent application seeking ban, the VHP-Bajrang Dal rallies in Delhi-NCR, a bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice SV Bhatti directed the Delhi Police and the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to ensure that the rallies remain peaceful and that no untoward incident takes place. The Court also mandated the video recording of the rallies in sensitive areas to preserve potential evidence.
The bench highlighted that the Supreme Court had previously issued orders in October 2022 and April 2023, directing the police to initiate suo motu FIRs against hate speech crimes. They emphasized the importance of adhering to these orders and ensuring their implementation.
Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Chander Singh said that VHP-Bajrang Dal had announced twenty-three rallies in various parts of the National Capital Region to protest the incidents in Nuh. When asked by the bench if any hate speeches had occurred, Singh replied that hate speeches were indeed made during the rallies held earlier in the day and that more rallies were planned for sensitive areas.
Justice Khanna addressed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, urging him to immediately communicate with the authorities to prevent violence and hate speech. He emphasized the need for adequate security forces, CCTVs, and video recording to maintain law and order.
The bench expressed trust in the State Governments and police authorities to ensure no hate speeches or violence occur and no damage is done to properties. They advised deploying adequate police or paramilitary forces where necessary and utilizing CCTV cameras or video recordings in sensitive areas, preserving the collected footage as evidence.
The urgent application was presented at 2 pm after being brought to the attention of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who promptly ordered its listing and the constitution of a special bench at the specified time.The application, filed by Shaheen Abdhullah, was presented as an interlocutory application in a writ petition seeking directions to prevent hate crimes.
Haryana violence and precautionary measures taken
Haryana Police has imposed prohibitory orders following sporadic incidents of violence on Tuesday. The sale of loose petrol or diesel has been banned to prevent arson.
Haryana Police confirmed incidents of arson and skirmishes but stated that there were no major incidents of violence.
Haryana police urged citizens not to believe in rumours and false reports on social media.
The violence erupted during a religious procession in Nuh, 50 km from Delhi, triggered by an objectionable viral video. The participants sought refuge in a temple as the procession was attacked with stones.
The situation escalated in the evening, with a mosque being torched post-midnight, and over a hundred vehicles vandalised in Nuh and neighbouring Gurugram.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar confirmed six deaths in the violence in Nuh and appealed for peace in the state. A total of 116 individuals were arrested in connection with Monday’s violence.
Clashes were reported in various other Haryana districts, with rioting witnessed in Badshahpur, where a mob of around 200 vandalised shops and set fire to an eatery amid religious chants.
In response to the situation, schools and colleges in Sohna, bordering Gurugram, remained closed.
Delhi authorities also issued an alert, enhancing patrolling and employing drones to monitor sensitive areas. The police in Delhi are prepared to respond to any potential repercussions resulting from incidents in neighbouring areas.