The court's decision to give a one-year sentence to former Shiv Sena leader Madhukar Sarpotdar while being highly laudable, also reminds us of the fallacies of the contemporary system.

Sarpotdar gave an inflammatory speech during the 1992-93 riots, which led to violence. The laws in our country against hate speech need to be tightened, as it is the first time that court has awarded sentence for such a crime. The appeal for punishing Bal Thackeray for his hateful writings leading to Mumbai violence in 1992-93 could not succeed because of various loopholes, and also because of the lack of will power of the ruling party. Hate speeches build up the base for communal violence.

We should note that it took 15 years for the judgment to come and the sentence announced is not severe enough, when compared to the crime committed. Currently Raj Thackeray is openly resorting to hate speeches and is getting away with it, while the ruling party gripped in electoral opportunism and calculations, is merely watching the scenario. It's high time the government  resolve to pursue other cases with utmost sincerity and urgency.

Ram Punyani
ram.puniyani@gmail.com