NEW DELHI: “Political leaders must foster fraternity in the country,” the Supreme Court of India orally observed on Tuesday while hearing a writ petition filed by 12 petitioners seeking directions to curb “constitutionally unbecoming” speeches by persons holding constitutional offices, along with guidelines on political discourse. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices B V Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi, declined to entertain the petition. However, it suggested that the plea be withdrawn and a fresh, properly drafted petition be filed focusing solely on constitutional principles. The court acknowledged that the petitioners were “eminent persons” and said it respected both them and the seriousness of the issue. However, it noted that the issue had already been addressed in a judgment delivered by Justice Nagarathna in the Kaushal Kishore case.

Source: Indian Express February 18, 2026 09:17 UTC