Courts Will Be Strict in Cases of Hate Crimes: HL Dattu

Courts will be tougher with those booked in hate crimes when prosecution provides cogent evidence, says CJI HL Dattu

In the picture (left to right) President Pranab Mukherjee, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Chief Justice of India HL Dattu and Law Minister Sadananda Gowda (Photo: PTI)

In an interview with The Times of India, Chief Justice of India HL Dattu specifically said that the court will be tougher on those chargesheeted in hate crimes.

The CJI’s statement comes against the backdrop of multiple cases of hate crimes being committed across the country.

<p>India is a country governed by rule of law, which is of paramount importance. The courts will strive every bit to uphold the Rule of law. The courts will take stern view of those accused of hate crime when the prosecution presents cogent evidence</p>

<p><b>HL Dattu, Chief Justice of India</b></p>

Dattu also said that the present government, like every other, has the responsibility of protecting citizens and upholding the rule of law. “I am sure it is taking adequate steps to rein in divisive forces and make citizens enjoy their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution,” he added.

Last week, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had condemned statements made by Union Ministers VK Singh and Kiren Rijiju. He said that one cannot get away by making statements and later saying that there were misconstrued.

Appointing Judges to High Courts

Speaking about the vacancies in high courts, Dattu said the names of over a 100 persons were cleared earlier under the collegium system.

However, after the Supreme Court gave the go ahead for collegium system (judges appointing peers), the law ministry had written to the CJI with a suggestion. Dattu also said recommendations made by the collegium system prior to the SC verdict would need a fresh review.