Rapid Action Against Hate (RAAH) – An Initiative of PUCL Delhi

Dear Friends,
I am pleased to share that, pursuant to a decision taken at the General Body Meeting of PUCL Delhi, a five-member Rapid Action Group was constituted to respond to incidents of hate speech, communal tensions.

Following a series of regular meetings and deliberations, the group has decided to name this initiative Rapid Action Against Hate (RAAH), which shall function as an integral part of PUCL Delhi.
The composition of the group is as follows:
1. Advocate Hemang – Convenor
2. Advocate Chetna Indora – Co-Convenor
3. Advocate Ramnit Kaur – Co-Convenor
4. Mr. Arun Goyal – Member
5. Mr. Amrik Singh Pahwa – Member
1. Objectives and Proposed Action Plan
The group has formulated the following preliminary action plan, which shall remain in operation until 30 April 2027, following which its functioning and priorities will be reviewed and reassessed.
A. Identification and Monitoring of Incidents
• Identify and monitor inflammatory speeches, hate speech, threats, communal rumours and emerging situations of communal tension.
• Initially focus on the poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Manipur.
• Verify information and reports received through an established network of local contacts. Physical fact-finding visits shall, as far as possible, be avoided at the initial stage, unless considered absolutely necessary.
B. Building a Rapid Response Network
• Develop a network of individuals willing to participate in and support the rapid response initiative.
• The network shall not be restricted to PUCL members and will also include individuals associated with other civil society organisations and concerned citizens.
• Following preliminary verification of an incident through reliable local contacts, the information shall be circulated among members of the response network.

C. Coordinated Communication with Government Authorities
• Along with verified information, the group shall circulate a draft email/representation template and a directory of relevant email addresses of concerned government ministers, departments and bureaucratic authorities.
• Members of the network shall be encouraged to send individual emails to the appropriate authorities, urging them to take immediate and appropriate action, including exercising their powers to take suo motu cognisance wherever warranted.
• Such communications shall be courteous, factual and respectful in tone, and shall seek intervention by the competent authorities. Care shall be taken to ensure that the network’s communications do not inadvertently result in its members being designated as formal complainants in such matters.
D. Dedicated Communication Channels
• A dedicated email address, [email protected], have been created for receiving and coordinating information.
• A dedicated WhatsApp number shall also be established to facilitate communication, coordination and dissemination of verified information.
E. Legal Support and Documentation
• Establish contact with local advocates in the identified states and coordinate with them for assistance in preserving relevant evidence and documentation.
• Develop a legal resource bank comprising relevant judgments, statutory provisions and legal precedents that may assist in taking appropriate legal action, wherever necessary.
F. Countering Misinformation
At a subsequent stage, subject to the availability of resources and organisational capacity, the group may also undertake initiatives to counter misinformation by disseminating verified information and credible facts.
G. Reporting and Accountability
If the initiative receives a positive response and develops into a sustainable mechanism, the group shall endeavour to publish an annual report documenting the complaints and incidents brought to its attention, the interventions undertaken by the network, the responses received from government authorities and the outcomes achieved.
2. Invitation for Participation and Support
The success of this initiative will depend substantially on the active participation and collective efforts of concerned individuals and civil society organisations.
In this regard, we invite those who are willing to participate in the initiative, particularly by sending emails to concerned government ministers, departments and bureaucratic authorities, to kindly convey their willingness and share their email addresses. The group will thereafter coordinate with them and circulate verified information and draft communications as and when required.
We would also particularly welcome assistance from those who have reliable contacts in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Manipur, who may be approached for verifying information and reports concerning incidents in their respective areas.
Your suggestions, inputs and constructive feedback on the proposed action plan are also welcome.
We hope that this initiative will evolve into an effective and responsive network for collective intervention against hate, communal polarisation and threats to constitutional values.
We look forward to your active participation and support in making RAAH a meaningful and effective initiative of PUCL Delhi.

With warm regards,
PUCL Delhi