Supreme Court of India Rejects New Hate Speech Laws

The Supreme Court of India ruled on April 29, 2026, that the country's existing legal framework is sufficient to address hate speech. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected petitions claiming a legislative vacuum, stating that provisions within the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and allied legislation adequately penalize acts that promote enmity or disturb public tranquility.

The court clarified that the primary problem is the inconsistent and ineffective enforcement of these laws by police and authorities, not a lack of legislation. Consequently, the court refused to assume a legislative role or issue a continuing mandamus for judicial oversight of executive functions.

In related appeals, the court declined to register first information reports against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma, ruling that no cognizable offense was made out. The court also dismissed a petition regarding Islamophobic social media posts, determining the matter had been adequately addressed.