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The BJP has maintained that existing legal provisions are sufficient to address hate speech and related offences and that a separate law could be misused.
The Karnataka government and BJP are at loggerheads over the new hate speech legislation. (Image: PTI)
The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill continues to await a decision from Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, with the Lok Bhavan yet to either clear or return the legislation passed by the State legislature amid strong opposition resistance. It continues to remain on the Governor’s desk.
In a statement, the Lok Bhavan said the Bill is still being examined. Of the 22 Bills cleared during the Belagavi session of the legislature, the Governor has approved 19 and sent back two including the SC quota bill, all while the Hate Speech Bill remains undecided.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said there has been no communication indicating approval or rejection so far.
The BJP is expected to take a delegation and meet the Governor on this issue on Dec 13.
Speaking to the media in Mangaluru, the CM said the government would offer a detailed explanation if the Governor sought clarifications on the legislation.
The pending status of the Bill has revived political sparring in the State, with the BJP reiterating its opposition and questioning the necessity of a new law when the existing law is tough enough.
BJP questions intent, cites free speech risks
The BJP, which sits in the opposition in Karnataka, has maintained that existing legal provisions are sufficient to address hate speech and related offences. The party has argued that the proposed law could be used selectively to stifle dissent.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka told the Assembly that the Bill poses a threat to constitutional freedoms. He alleged that the legislation could be used to target political opponents and the media under the pretext of regulation.
The party’s stance comes even as it has faced criticism in other states over its own handling of dissent.
State government defends legislation
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara defended the Bill in the Assembly, saying it was intended to address shortcomings in the current legal framework. He said the proposed law would classify hate speech and hate crimes as non-bailable offences and strengthen the State’s ability to respond.
The Congress government has argued that the legislation is necessary in the context of increasing incidents of hate-driven offences and communal tensions.
What is the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill?
Passed by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in December 2025, the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, is a state-specific law aimed at clearly defining and penalising hate speech and hate crimes.
The Bill was approved by the State Cabinet on December 4 and introduced in the Assembly by Home Minister G Parameshwara amid disruptions from the opposition. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and monetary fines.
The legislation seeks to curb speech or actions that promote hatred or discrimination on grounds such as religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, language, place of birth or residence.
How does the Bill define hate speech and hate crime?
Under the Bill, “hate speech” includes any spoken, written, visual or electronic expression intended to provoke harm, hostility, hatred or ill-will against an individual, group, community or organisation, regardless of whether the target is living or deceased.
“Hate crime” refers to the act of communicating, publishing, circulating, promoting, inciting or attempting such expression, including abetment, with the intention of causing disharmony or enmity.
The scope of the Bill covers acts or expressions based on religion, race, caste, community, gender, sexual orientation, disability, language, tribe, place of birth or residence.
What penalties does the Bill propose?
The proposed punishments include:
• Imprisonment of one to seven years and a Rs 50,000 fine for hate crimes
• Two to ten years in prison and a Rs 1 lakh fine for repeat offences
Offences under the Bill are classified as cognisable and non-bailable and will be tried by a Judicial Magistrate First Class. Proceedings will be governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The Bill also brings organisations and institutions within its scope. Those in charge at the time of an offence will be presumed liable unless they can prove lack of knowledge or show that due diligence was exercised to prevent the violation.
The political implications of the move have widened further after the Congress government in neighbouring Telangana indicated that it is considering bringing in a similar law.
January 12, 2026, 13:04 IST
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