New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday broadened the purview of its 2022 ruling directing all states and union territories to take note of the hate speeches and file cases even if no complaint is made, media reports said.

The court warned that any slack in registering such cases will be considered contempt of court, NDTV reported.

While issuing the order, the apex court stated that hate speech is a serious offence.

It noted that hate speech is "capable of affecting the secular fabric of the country".