National Desk
21 November
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a petition seeking a ban on websites that showcase jokes about Sikhs, which allegedly tarnish their image. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan emphasized the importance of the issue and granted the petitioner eight weeks to prepare submissions.
Petitioner Harvinder Chaudhary informed the bench that he would compile a concise collection of suggestions from various stakeholders. The court listed the matter for hearing after this preparation period.
During the proceedings, Chaudhary highlighted concerns raised by Sikh women, who reported being mocked for their traditional attire. He also pointed out that children from the Sikh community often face bullying in schools, with severe psychological effects.
The petitioner cited a tragic incident where a schoolboy reportedly took his own life due to bullying linked to his Sikh identity. He argued that such stereotypes and mockery perpetuated by these websites are harmful to the community.
The court acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and expressed willingness to consider measures to address the grievances of the Sikh community. The case brings to focus the broader challenges of tackling online content that perpetuates stereotypes and bullying.