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A |     New Delhi, Oct 21 (UNI) Expressing its serious concern over the way, some of the hate speeches were made against the minority communities during recent religious congregations, the Supreme Court questioned as to where we have reached, what have we reduced religion to?

"Where have we reached? What have we reduced religion to? What have we reduced God to? It is tragic," a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice K M Joseph and also comprising Justice Hrishikesh Roy, observed.

"The statements are certainly very shocking for a country that is to be religion neutral," the Supreme Court said, and expressed shock at some of the statements and hate speech made against minority communities during certain recent religious congregations.

The Apex Court was hearing a plea filed by the petitioner, Shaheen Abdullah, seeking urgent direction, interventions and or orders to stop the hate speeches made against the Muslim community.

"A country which is a democracy and religion neutral, you are saying it there should be action in IPC. But it's against one community. It is sad," the Supreme Court observed.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, Abdullah, presented a recent "Hindu Sabha" as an example where BJP MP from West Delhi, Parvesh Verma, called for the "total boycott" of "these people" apparently referring to Muslims.

The Supreme Court said, in its order that "the respondent (authorities) will issue directions to their subordinates in this regard without looking at the religion of the accused, so that the secular nature of India is preserved.*

The Supreme Court also in its order directed that the respective governments and police authorities should take suo motu action in cases of hate speeches and they should not wait for lodging of a formal complaint.

"Such action is needed to be taken to preserve secular character of the country," the Supreme Court observed and expressed its shock over the way the hate speeches are made.

Abdullah, the petitioner, said the Muslim community is being "targeted and terrorised" by the participation of the members of the ruling political party in delivering the hate speeches.

The Supreme Court in its order directed the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police to take Suo Motu cognizance action against any instance of hate speech in the State without waiting for a complaint to be filed.

The Supreme Court also made it clear that if there is a lack of action by the police and authorities, it will result in contempt of court against the concerned authority or person.

The Supreme Court also sought action taken report from Delhi police on alleged hate speeches made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, Parvesh Verma and others in Delhi on October 9 against Muslim community.

Sibal argued that we have filed many complaints. This Court or administration never takes action! Always status reports. These people are participating in events on daily basis.

"The Administration does nothing. We keep coming to Court," Sibal pleaded for action.

While reading the alleged speeches of Varma, the Court read, "If need be, we will slit their throats", (Bench reads). It said, it is very sad and tragic.

Sibal said, Yes, him and team. He is an MP of the party (BJP).

"We need an SIT (Special Investigation Team) to make sure that it doesn't get repeated," Sibal pleaded to the Supreme Court.

UNI SM SHK2105。    The Indian cricket team's vice captain, Smriti Mandhana, has confirmed that her marriage to music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal has been called off, ending weeks of rumours. On Sunday, the announcement was made via an Instagram story. This was her first public reaction to the rumours that had been circulating about her personal life in recent weeks.     Mandhana said it was crucial to provide clarification in the statement, acknowledging the heavy scrutiny over the previous several weeks. She described herself as a private person. However, even though she had planned to keep her private affairs out of the public eye, the rumours had left her with no other option than to come clean. The wedding stands cancelled, she said, and she asked the fans and the media to give both families time and privacy to deal with this. She emphasised her need for privacy by writing, "I would like to close this matter here."     The original date of the ceremony was November 23, 2025, at Sangli, Maharashtra. However, Mandhana's father experienced excruciating chest discomfort the morning before the incident. After he was taken to the hospital, medical professionals discovered that his cardiac enzymes were high. Mucchal soon needed medical attention as well. As a result, the wedding was put on hold indefinitely by both families.     Shortly after Mandhana’s statement, Palash Mucchal also issued a message, saying he has chosen to “move on” from the relationship. He expressed how difficult it has been to see unverified rumours circulate freely online and urged people to be more mindful. He added that his team will pursue legal action against false or defamatory content, thanking those who supported him during the challenging time.Mandhana reiterated that cricket remains her main focus. She expressed gratitude for the continued support and said she hopes to keep playing for India at the highest level. For now, she asked everyone to respect their privacy as they move forward separately.Also Read: Palak Muchhal Reacts to Palash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana’s Wedding Debacle - Exclusive。