Supreme Court's Stance on Racial Crime Classification
The Supreme Court of India, on February 18, 2026, addressed the issue of classifying crimes based on race and region, cautioning against such categorization as it could lead to societal polarization.
Key Highlights
- Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant's Position:
- Emphasized that crimes should be punished harshly, irrespective of the identities involved.
- Warned against dividing society by classifying crimes based on victim identity, advocating for equality and unity 75 years post-Independence.
- Petition Details:
- Filed by advocate Anoop Prakash Awasthi following the death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura.
- Chakma was tragically attacked in Uttarakhand and died after resisting harassment.
- The petition highlighted long-standing racial violence against North-Eastern citizens in India.
- Arguments Presented:
- Mr. Awasthi argued the inadequacy of current criminal laws, such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, in addressing hate crimes and racial discrimination.
- Stressed the absence of mechanisms in the initial criminal justice system to differentiate racial offenses from ordinary crimes.
- Court's Directive:
- Attorney General R. Venkataramani was asked to review the petition and refer it to the appropriate authority.
Significance of the Case
The case underscores the ongoing issue of racial violence in India, especially towards individuals from the North-Eastern States, and the demand for a structured legislative and institutional response.
