Racial violence agnst NE people: SC differs with govt views

The Supreme Court has expressed disagreement with the Centre that the prevailing penal provisions were good enough to cover the issue of hate crimes and racial violence, especially against the people of North Eastern states.

“No, it does not,” reacted a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud when the Centre, while expressing reluctance to suggestions for a specific legislation, said sections 153 A and B of Indian Penal Code (IPC) covered anti-racial issues.

“The examination is going on whether specific legislation is required or not as the provisions of the IPC covers everything and it would be wrong to say it does not cover it,” Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh said. He said section 153 B IPC covers everything and the court could “examine” it. “We will assist you. If you are not satisfied, we will replace it with a new law,” he said.

The deliberations were going on in the background of the recommendation of M P Bezbaruah committee which suggested amendment in sections 153 A and 153 B of the IPC as a long- term measure to deal with the issue of racial violence. 

While the law officer was trying to make his submission on the recommendation of Bezbaruah committee, which set up by the Ministry of Home Ministry (MHA) on February 5, 2014 after several incidents of hate crimes against persons hailing from the Northeast, the bench expressed displeasure that effective steps were not being taken to address the issues.