Supreme Court Seeks Attorney General’s View on Plea for Guidelines Against Racial Violence After Anjel Chakma Murder
Petition filed after racially motivated killing of Tripura youth in Uttarakhand
Court highlights need for safeguards to protect citizens from North-East against discrimination
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 20, 2026:
The Supreme Court of India has asked the Attorney General for India to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking guidelines to curb racially motivated violence. The plea was filed in the aftermath of the alleged racially motivated murder of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand last December. The case has reignited concerns about racial discrimination and violence faced by individuals from India’s North-Eastern states living in other parts of the country.
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Background of the Case
- The PIL was filed by Advocate Anoop Prakash Awasthi, who appeared in person before the court.
- He argued that racially motivated violence should be recognized as a distinct constitutional wrong, requiring specific guidelines and mechanisms for prevention.
- The petition highlighted repeated incidents of racial discrimination, stereotyping, and group-based hostility faced by North-Eastern citizens in metropolitan cities and other regions.
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Supreme Court’s Observations
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- The court acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but cautioned that creating mechanisms based solely on regional identity could be counterproductive.
- The Court disposed of the PIL by requesting the Attorney General to examine the matter and advise on possible legal and administrative measures.
- The Court emphasized that racial violence undermines the constitutional guarantee of equality and dignity under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
Relevant Laws and Constitutional Provisions
- Article 14 – Equality Before Law: Protects citizens against discrimination.
- Article 15 – Prohibition of Discrimination: Bars discrimination on grounds of race, religion, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty: Ensures protection of life and dignity.
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Provides safeguards against targeted violence, though not specifically covering racial identity.
- Indian Penal Code (IPC): Sections on assault, murder, and criminal intimidation apply, but there is no distinct category for racially motivated crimes.
Why This Matters
- For Citizens from the North-East: The case highlights their vulnerability to racial slurs, violence, and discrimination in other states.
- For Legal Framework: India currently lacks specific hate crime legislation addressing racial violence.
- For National Unity: The issue underscores the importance of inclusivity and equal protection for all communities.
Broader Implications
- Policy Reform: The Attorney General’s examination could lead to recommendations for new guidelines or even legislation on racial violence.
- Awareness: The case has sparked national debate on the need to sensitize society against racial prejudice.
- Judicial Precedent: The Supreme Court’s intervention may pave the way for stronger judicial recognition of racially motivated crimes.
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Expert Views
Legal experts argue that India urgently needs a comprehensive hate crime law to address racially motivated violence. Human rights activists emphasize that North-Eastern citizens often face discrimination in housing, employment, and education, making legal safeguards essential.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directive to the Attorney General to examine the plea for guidelines against racial violence marks a significant step in addressing discrimination faced by citizens from the North-East. While the Court stopped short of issuing immediate directions, the move signals recognition of the problem and the need for systemic solutions.
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