SC idea of involving political leaders for resolving hate speech issue doesn't fructify

The idea mooted by the Supreme Court on Wednesday for involving some political leaders, including from the ruling BJP, or independent persons for exploring the possibility of resolving the dispute regarding alleged hate speeches which purportedly led to the recent Delhi violence, did not fructify.

"Since you are talking about peace, can you suggest name of a leader of standing who could negotiate with the other side?," a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde asked senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who appeared for petitioners seeking lodging of FIRs against politicians for their alleged hate speech.

"You give us the names," said the bench, also comprising Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant.

"We can nominate some leaders. Is anybody from the BJP is here? We can also have some independent persons like Prashant Bhushan," the bench said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta vehemently opposed Bhushan's name and said: "Given the background of Mr Bhushan, we will oppose it and I am not mincing words on this."