ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 takes a look at the laws around and definitions of “hate speech” in India as something with potential for causing communal divisions or incendiary actions, as well as discusses Hindu nationalist organizations’ roles in promoting or curtailing such speech. Particular consideration is given to the problematic Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, which addresses freedom of expression online. To tie this back to the wider argument of how Hindu tradition is presented and managed online, the example of the cow protection movement and the role digital media has played in exacerbating this violent trend is used as a case study.
