"Hated Speech" and the Costs of Freedom in India

This research report seeks to draw out the analytical category of "hated speech" to define an affective dimension of communication and the communicative dimension of hate. It focused on those at the receiving end of hate - speaking up against injustices and speaking truth to power and experiences and observations of what it means to speak truth to power and receive hate as it is manifested through varying degrees of violence across various instances.

The research report presents three sections in understanding hated speech drawing on the responses from 15 interviewees": (a) forestalling speech, (b) speech in polarised and reactionary contexts, and (c) speaking for oneself in one's voice. The report ends by enunciating hope, reflecting on possibilities and pathways for solidarity building and reflexive collective action.