PUCL Delhi: CONFERENCE ON COMMUNAL HARMONY: COMBATING HATE CRIMES AND HATE SPEECH
Relevant State Delhi
The escalation of hate crimes and hate speech in India calls for a new approach to combating them and promoting communal harmony. Traditional approaches of comprehensive legal reforms, consistent enforcement of existing laws, and a societal commitment to uphold the principles of secularism and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution, remain relevant but are not sufficient any more, especially since the state is an active participant in promoting communal discord. Communal harmony is important not only for the unity and integrity of India but also if the country is to make economic progress. Political parties also have an important role to play in promoting communal harmony. Ways and means must be explored to involve political parties in the promotion of secular values and in countering hate crimes and hate speech. The role of judiciary cannot be underestimated in fighting the menace of communalism, hate crimes and hate speech. The judiciary unfortunately at all levels is also affected by this virus. There are a number of judicial officers who decide on the basis of religion, and have been expressing their warped views openly without any reprimand from the top echelons of the Judicial system. It is with this in view that a conference on Communal Harmony: Combating hate crimes and hate speech, is being organised in New Delhi on 20-21 September 2025 so that a comprehensive strategy for combating this menace can be chalked out. The purpose of this conference is also to form an Action Committee with like-minded organisations for coordinated action to promote communal harmony and combat hate crimes & hate speech. Let us all come together and put our heads together to find effective solutions to the issue of “Communal Harmony: Combating hate crimes and hate speech”.