India, April 30 -- In an ideal world, a modern secular republic would not need separate laws curtailing hate speech. Existing provisions clamping reasonable fetters on free speech - as they do in India - would be adequate to deal with elements trying to exploit religious, political or caste-based fault lines for vested interests. In such a world, the police would be impartial in registering cases against those trying to instigate violence.

Unfortunately, this is far from an ideal world. Despite orders from the Supreme Court, local administrations often hesitate to book those trying to exploit local disturbances. Many cases against people accused of offending religious feelings are either flimsy or politically motivated. As a result, hate...