New Delhi: A total of 107 MPs and MLAs face hate speech cases against them and 480 candidates with such cases have contested elections in the last five years, according to poll rights body Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all the incumbent MPs and MLAs, besides the unsuccessful candidates in the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls held in the country in the said period.
The analysis reveals that many of the MPs and MLAs, who are designated lawmakers, have actually declared cases related to "hate speech" against themselves. The analysis is based on the affidavits submitted by the MPs and MLAs prior to the last election they contested.
According to the Law Commission, Sections 124(A), 153(A), 153(B), 295(A), 298, 505(1) and 505 (2) of Indian Penal Code and relevant sections in other statutes have bearing on hate speech. The analysis is based on the self declared affidavits by candidates. (Agencies)