2007 Hate Speech: SC Agrees to Hear SP Leader Azam Khan’s Plea Challenging Trial Court Order

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea on Wednesday filed by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, challenging an order issued by a trial court.

The trial court had directed Khan to provide a voice sample in connection with a case involving alleged hate speech and derogatory language against former chief minister Mayawati in 2007.

The voice sample has been sought to ascertain a comparison with Khan’s recorded speech on a CD, which he delivered during a public gathering in Rampur’s Tanda area back in 2007.

A bench comprising Justice A S Bopanna and Justice S V N Bhatti acknowledged the urgency expressed by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was representing Khan and seeking a prompt hearing.

Khan has challenged the July 25 order from the Allahabad High Court, which had dismissed his plea and upheld the trial court’s order in Rampur.

The complaint was filed by one Dheeraj Kumar Sheel against Khan under the SC/ST Act in 2007 at the Tanda police station. The complaint accused Khan of delivering a hate speech and using derogatory language against BSP supremo and then-chief minister Mayawati.

The case, registered in Rampur, invoked sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) and 171-G (false statement in connection with an election) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, the police had also invoked section 125 of the Representation of Peoples Act and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Khan.