25, Feb 2023 | CJP Team

A petition demanding strict action on growing hate speech events in the state of Maharashtra is gaining traction. The petition initiated by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has been signed by Javed Akhtar, Poet and Script Writer, Kumar Ketkar, Rajya Sabha MP and journalist, Ratna Pathak Shah, Actor, Tushar Gandhi, senior activist and writer, Chitra Palekar, Writer & Theatre Professional, Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, Priest and Activist, Fr Frazer Mascarenhas, Jesuit & Educationist, Teesta Setalvad, Journalist and Activist, Javed Anand, Journalist and Activist, Geeta Seshu, Senior Journalist among many others.

The petition may be signed here

The petition, has pointed towards the systematic hate speech rallies being carried out throughout the state, states that “some organised groups, politically connected, are involved, in a systematic organisation of such events across many districts and carry out rallies and invite speakers known to have delivered hate speeches in the past.”

CJP is dedicated to finding and bringing to light instances of Hate Speech, so that the bigots propagating these venomous ideas can be unmasked and brought to justice. To learn more about our campaign against hate speech, please become a member. To support our initiatives, please donate now!

“Many of the speakers are previous offenders, new wine in old bottles so to speak, delivering shrill homilies of the vision of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ (a notion that is itself fundamentally anti-Constitutional), distorting and manipulating history to further stigmatize, target, and incite violence against the Muslim community; Christians too have not been spared,” the petition reads.

Listing out all such events that have taken place since December 2022, the petition raises a pertinent question

“This organised attempt raises the question, why the sudden interest in the state. Is this not part of a design?”

The petition highlights that the political representatives need to fulfill the Oath they have Sworn under the Indian Constitution.

“Whether affirmed in the name of God or the Constitution, the elected representative is legally bound to true faith solemnly affirm and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established and function in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill will. The same principle applies to the IAS and IPS officials.”

Citizens for Justice and Peace (cjp.org.in) has been running arguably the most consistent and persistent campaigns, petitioning relentlessly the law enforcement authorities to prevent and prosecute hate-mongers.

The signatories demand:

• Any such events by previous hate offender organisations and individuals are prohibited under law

• That in incidents that have occurred and inciteful and provocative speeches have been made since December 2022 (Detailed List Attached), there is a high-level impartial probe and swift prosecution

This Video, produced by CJP also makes a strong appeal for ordinary citizens in Maharashtra to approach their elected representatives, MLAs and MPs and honour the Oath they have sworn under the Indian Constitution. The Video may be viewed here: Take action against rising hate in Maharashtra: An appeal by Teesta Setalvad

Related:

Citizens’ attempts to prevent hate speech event ignored, Hate Event allowed by Ratnagiri Police

LEADERS OF MAHARASHTRA, ACT AGAINST HATE NOW!

CJP seeks preventive action against proposed event of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in Maharashtra