Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea For Action Against Alleged Hate Speech Towards Christians In Andhra Pradesh

The Supreme Court yesterday refused to entertain a plea seeking action against Shivashakthi Foundation members, and others, for allegedly spreading hate towards the Christian community and instigating people towards desecration of the Holy Bible.

The Court asked the petitioners to approach the jurisdictional magistrate. In case of inaction, they may approach the High Court for orders in exercise of its supervisory jurisdiction, the Court added.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi was dealing with the petitioners' grievance against certain objectionable remarks made by a group of persons last year during an event of the Shivashakthi Foundation in Andhra Pradesh.

Initially, petitioner Ashok Baby Chegudi and others had approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court claiming that the Shivashakthi Foundation, the Hindu Jana Shakti and one Radha Manohar Das were engaging in unlawful activities and spreading hate towards the petitioners and the Christian community. They further alleged connivance on the part of police officials.

However, in March, the High Court dismissed their petition as "misconceived", noting,

"The allegations made in the present petition are quite vague and general and if at all there is any act which is attributed to the private respondents, which otherwise constitute a criminal offence, it would be open to the petitioners to work out their remedies in accordance with law."

Aggrieved, the petitioners approached the Supreme Court.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners alleged that the President of Shivashakthi Foundation instigated his followers, in an open telecast, to urinate on the Holy Bible and thereafter to trample on it.

On a specific Court query, he informed that a complaint was made to the concerned Superintendent of Police, Dy SP and local police station. The bench however suggested that a complaint be made before the jurisdictional Court. "File a prosecution", Justice Kant told the petitioners' counsel.

The counsel replied, "I have filed, but they have not taken up. They have not accepted the same facts". Hearing this, the bench suggested that if desired attention is not given, the petitioners can approach the High Court.

On this, the counsel said, "the High Court has very clearly stated that my petition is vague and general...all I want to say is that there was a conclave held on 01.09.2024, where there were a thousand people who gathered...and these people made comments on the dais…on the crucifix, and on the cross, and the Holy Bible".

At last, the bench reiterated that the petitioners can make a complaint before the jurisdictional Court.

“You can file a complaint before the Court also. The corresponding provision is there...avail that provision. File a petition or complaint...and if that Court does not take cognizance or does not respond well then please go to the High Court", said Justice Kant.

Case Title: ASHOK BABU CHEGUDI @ JOSHUA DANIEL AND ORS. Versus THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS., Diary No. 17352-2025