Karnataka Assembly Enacts Hate Speech Prevention Bill Amid Opposition Protests

The Karnataka Assembly has enacted a new bill aimed at preventing hate speech and hate crimes, despite significant opposition protests. Introduced by Home Minister G Parameshwara, the legislation outlines penalties for hate crimes, including imprisonment and fines. Opposition leader R Ashoka criticized the bill as an infringement on free speech, suggesting it targets dissenters. The bill's passage has sparked controversy, with BJP members walking out in protest. This legislation follows a Supreme Court directive emphasizing the need for strong measures against communal hatred. The implications of this bill on political discourse and freedom of expression are yet to be fully understood.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 13:57 IST

Karnataka Assembly Passes Controversial Bill

On Thursday, the Karnataka Assembly approved a new bill designed to combat hate speech and hate crimes, despite significant protests from opposition members.

Introduced by Home Minister G Parameshwara, the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill addresses hate speech expressed verbally, in print, or online.

The legislation stipulates that individuals found guilty of hate crimes could face imprisonment ranging from less than one year to a maximum of seven years, along with a fine of Rs 50,000.

If the offense is repeated, the minimum sentence would be two years, potentially extending to seven years, with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Parameshwara explained that the bill was introduced following a Supreme Court directive in May, which emphasized the need for stringent measures against communal hatred and hate speech.

The minister expressed optimism that the new law would significantly reduce the spread of hate speech and hate crimes.

However, R Ashoka, the opposition leader, criticized the bill for infringing on freedom of speech and press, suggesting that it was an attempt by the ruling Congress to suppress dissent.

Ashoka claimed that the provisions in the bill were already included in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and accused the government of using the legislation to target opposition parties and the media.

He warned that the law could be misused for political vendettas, potentially backfiring on the Congress party.

During the debate, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh questioned Ashoka's opposition to the bill, which led to objections from BJP MLAs.

In response to Suresh's comments about BJP members from coastal regions, opposition members demanded an apology, prompting Speaker UT Khader to announce that the remark would be removed from the records.

Despite the uproar, Parameshwara called for support, and the bill was ultimately passed.

Following the vote, BJP members requested that the bill be sent to a committee for further examination, but this was rejected by the Speaker. Ashoka noted that BJP members were prepared to discuss the bill but were unable to do so due to the expedited process.

State Law Minister HK Patil confirmed that the bill had been passed and would not be revisited.

In protest, BJP members subsequently walked out of the Assembly.