Hate Speech triggering a Diplomatic Storm

Why in news?

The Government’s decision to take a stern view of hate speech targeting religious beliefs to assert India’s traditional values of tolerance and respect for all religions is welcome.

What is the issue?

A leader from ruling party had made objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad during a television debate on an English news channel.
It happened during during a debate on the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute.
The episode spurred criticisms and protests by the Islamic community leading to the suspension of the leader from the party.
An FIR was filed under Indian Penal Code
- Section 153A -promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language, etc.
- Section 295 - deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
- Section 505 - statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes

What is hate speech?

There is no specific legal definition of ‘hate speech’.
According to Law commission report, hate speech is an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief and the like.
Hate speech can be of any form (writings, actions, signs and representations).
Sections 153A and 505 of IPC deal with inflammatory speeches and expressions.

To know more about hate speech, click here

What was the reaction of foreign countries against the remarks?

The remarks against Prophet Muhammad caused uproar in the Arab world where hashtags calling for the boycott of Indian products are trending on Twitter.
Qatar and Kuwait summoned India’s Ambassadors and demanded a public apology from New Delhi for the comments that were considered Islamophobic.
Even, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia slammed for the remarks made.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a strong condemnation against the remarks.
The Ministry of Foreign affairs reaffirmed its permanent rejection of prejudice against the symbols of Islamic religion and refuses to prejudice all religious figures and symbols.

References

Quick facts

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

The OIC is formerly the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.
It is the world’s second largest inter-governmental organisation after the UN, with a membership of 57 states.
Headquarters- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Its objective is to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
OIC has reserved membership for Muslim-majority countries.
Russia, Thailand, and a couple of other small countries have Observer status.
India is not a member of OIC.