19 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Supreme Court Urges Consideration of 'Racial Slur' as Hate Crime

SC asks government to consider treating racial slurs as hate crimes.

The Supreme Court heard a petition seeking guidelines to recognize 'racial slur' as a hate crime. The court disagreed with pigeonholing crime based on race and region, stating it would fuel polarization. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized treating all citizens equally and asked Attorney-General R.

Venkataramani to consider the petition and refer it to an appropriate authority. The petition was filed after the fatal attack on Anjel Chakma, an MBA student from Tripura. The petitioner argued that the new criminal laws hardly addressed hate crime, racial discrimination, and violence against citizens from northeastern States.

Key Facts

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition seeking guidelines to recognize 'racial slur' as a hate crime.

Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized treating all citizens equally.

The court disagreed with pigeonholing crime based on race and region.

The petition was filed after the fatal attack on Anjel Chakma, an MBA student from Tripura.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues related to social justice and vulnerable sections of the society.

GS Paper III: Law and Order - Understanding the concept of hate crime and its impact on society.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the need for specific legislation.

In Simple Words

The Supreme Court is thinking about whether using racial slurs should be treated as a serious crime. They don't want to divide people based on where they're from or what they look like. The court wants everyone to be treated fairly and equally.

India Angle

In India, people from different regions sometimes face discrimination. This consideration by the Supreme Court could mean stronger action against those who use insults based on someone's race or origin, potentially making society fairer for everyone.

For Instance

Imagine someone constantly making fun of your neighbor because they're from a different state. If racial slurs are recognized as hate crimes, it could be like having a stronger law against such behavior, protecting people from feeling humiliated and unsafe.

If racial slurs are considered hate crimes, it could lead to a more respectful and inclusive society. It sends a message that such behavior is unacceptable and has serious consequences.

Treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background, strengthens the fabric of our nation.

Visual Insights

Location of Anjel Chakma's Attack

Map showing Tripura, the state from which Anjel Chakma belonged, and Delhi, where the Supreme Court is hearing the petition.

Loading interactive map...

📍Tripura📍Delhi

More Information

Background

The term 'hate crime' is not explicitly defined in Indian law, unlike in some other countries. However, various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) address acts that could be classified as hate crimes, such as those promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc. The absence of a specific law makes it difficult to collect data and prosecute such crimes effectively. Article 14 of the Constitution of India guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all persons within the territory of India. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. These fundamental rights form the basis for challenging discriminatory practices and seeking legal remedies against hate crimes. The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the need to address the issue of racial discrimination and violence, particularly against marginalized communities.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion and debate on the need for specific legislation to address hate crimes in India. Various committees and organizations have recommended the enactment of a law that defines hate crimes and provides for enhanced penalties. The Justice Verma Committee, constituted after the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, also recommended measures to address hate speech and hate crimes. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been considering various proposals to amend the IPC and introduce new provisions to deal with hate speech and hate crimes. However, there is no consensus yet on the exact scope and content of such legislation. The Supreme Court's recent observations may prompt the government to expedite the process of formulating a comprehensive law on hate crimes. The new criminal laws, referred to in the news, are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which are set to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main issue the Supreme Court is considering regarding 'racial slur'?

The Supreme Court is examining a petition that requests guidelines to recognize 'racial slur' as a hate crime. The court is considering whether racial slurs should be specifically classified and treated as hate crimes under the law.

2. Why is the Supreme Court hearing this petition now?

The petition was filed following the fatal attack on Anjel Chakma, an MBA student from Tripura, in December 2025. The petitioner argues that current criminal laws do not adequately address hate crime, racial discrimination, and violence against people from northeastern states.

3. What are the key arguments against classifying crimes based on race or region, according to the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court has expressed disagreement with categorizing crimes based on race and region, stating that it could increase polarization. The court emphasizes the importance of treating all citizens equally.

4. What is the role of the Attorney General of India in this case?

The Chief Justice has asked the Attorney-General, R. Venkataramani, to consider the petition and refer it to an appropriate authority. This suggests the Attorney General will advise the government on how to proceed with the issue of racial slurs and hate crimes.

5. How might the recognition of 'racial slur' as a hate crime impact common citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities?

If 'racial slur' is recognized as a hate crime, it could provide greater legal protection and recourse for individuals who experience racial discrimination and violence. It could also send a stronger message that such behavior is unacceptable and will be punished, potentially deterring future incidents.

6. What are the potential challenges in defining and prosecuting 'hate crimes' related to racial slurs in India?

One challenge is the lack of a specific legal definition of 'hate crime' in Indian law. This makes it difficult to collect data, investigate incidents, and prosecute offenders. There is also the challenge of balancing free speech with the need to protect vulnerable groups from discrimination and violence.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding hate crimes in India: 1. 'Hate crime' is explicitly defined under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 2. Article 15 of the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. 3. The Supreme Court has recently urged for the consideration of 'racial slur' as a hate crime, emphasizing equal treatment of all citizens. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The term 'hate crime' is not explicitly defined under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, various sections address acts that could be classified as hate crimes. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 15 of the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court has urged for the consideration of 'racial slur' as a hate crime, emphasizing equal treatment of all citizens.

2. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India is/are relevant to the issue of hate crimes and discrimination? 1. Article 14: Equality before law 2. Article 19: Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc. 3. Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 14 guarantees equality before the law. Article 15 prohibits discrimination. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty, which can be threatened by hate crimes. Article 19, while important for freedom of speech, is less directly related to protection from hate crimes themselves, although hate speech can be restricted under reasonable restrictions to Article 19.

3. In the context of the recent Supreme Court observation on 'racial slur' as a hate crime, consider the following: Assertion (A): The Supreme Court disagreed with pigeonholing crime based on race and region, stating it would fuel polarization. Reason (R): The Court emphasized treating all citizens equally and asked the Attorney-General to consider the petition and refer it to an appropriate authority. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true but R is false
D.A is false but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The Supreme Court's disagreement with pigeonholing crime based on race and region is directly linked to its emphasis on treating all citizens equally. The Attorney-General's involvement further supports the Court's commitment to addressing the issue.