Chief Justice of India HL Dattu said that courts will take a stern view against those who are accused of indulging in hate crimes, when the prosecution presents convincing evidence, the Times of India reported on Monday. At a time when the country is seeing a surge in hate crimes, Justice Dattu said, “India is a country governed by rule of law, which is of paramount importance. The courts will strive every bit to uphold the rule of law.”

The 64-year-old said that the courts' actions may help state governments to proceed expeditiously with investigations into cases of hate crime registered by the police and file chargesheets against the accused. He added that every government has a duty to uphold the rule of law and keep citizens secure from divisive elements.