Landmark Judgement to Protect Sikhs from Hate Speech in India
June 17, 2024
Chandigarh
We are pleased to share a significant development in our ongoing pursuit of justice for the Sikh community in India. our legal advisor Gurmohan Preet Singh played a crucial role in a recent judgment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which denied bail to Rahul Sharma, charged with inciting violence and hatred against Sikhs through a provocative video. This decision marks an i
mportant step in holding individuals accountable for hate crimes and communal violence.
The petitioner, Rahul Sharma, had been in custody since May 12, 2023, following his arrest for making derogatory statements and threats against the Sikh community in the aftermath of the assassination of Sudhir Suri, President of Shiv Sena Taksali, Punjab. The court emphasized the gravity of the accusations, the risk of communal riots, and the potential for the petitioner to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
It is important to note that following the Sudhir Suri killing, some youths associated with his radical organization, Shiv Sena (Taksali), openly made threatening speeches against the Sikh community and used provocative language. In response, our legal advisor Gurmohan Preet Singh got an FIR against these individuals. He successfully argued for the dismissal of their bail applications in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, emphasizing that the tendency for genocidal impulses still remains prevalent. He highlighted that such hate-mongers were so audacious that they did not hesitate to make incendiary, gruesome speeches to threaten the Sikh community.
Consequently, Justice JS Puri denied the bail petition, stating:
“The apprehension which has been expressed by the learned State Counsel and the counsel for the complainant that considering the aforesaid allegations in case the petitioner is released on bail, then he may even intimidate and influence the witnesses and may abscond from justice carries weight and cannot be ignored.”
The judgment comes at a poignant time as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide. This dark chapter in Sikh history saw thousands of Sikhs massacred, and their families have suffered lasting trauma without seeing justice served. The denial of bail to Rahul Sharma serves as a reminder of the importance of combating hate speech and state sponsored repression, and the necessity of justice for all communities.
UNITED SIKHS legal aid services are dedicated to defending and upholding the civil and human rights of minorities and marginalized groups across the globe, ensuring they can practice their faith freely and live without discrimination.
From securing the right to wear religious articles like turbans and kirpans in schools and workplaces, to combating hate crimes and addressing discrimination in various forms, our efforts are aimed at not only resolving individual issues but also fostering broader change towards a more inclusive and equitable world.
We encourage you to reach out to our 24/7 UMEED Helpline at 1-855-878-6333 or visit our website at www.unitedsikhs.org for information and resources to protect your rights. To report a threat or hate crime, please contact us at contact@unitedsikhs.org.
Your support is vital to our mission. Help us continue to advocate for justice and protect the rights of Sikhs and other minorities globally.
In Solidarity,
UNITED SIKHS, International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) Team
