Karnataka Assembly Passes Hate Speech and Hate Crime Bill Amid Controversy
The Karnataka Assembly has recently passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crime Prevention Bill, 2025, aimed at addressing inflammatory rhetoric and promoting social harmony. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the BJP of inciting such speech and opposing the legislation. The bill outlines specific penalties for hate crimes, including imprisonment and fines, particularly targeting repeat offenders. Home Minister G. Parameshwara emphasized that the law is not aimed at any individual but seeks to define and combat hate speech effectively. This legislative move has sparked political controversy, raising questions about its implications for free speech and community relations.
Dec 22, 2025, 13:28 IST
Karnataka's Legislative Action Against Hate Speech
Following the passage of the Hate Speech and Hate Crime Prevention Bill, 2025 in both houses of the Karnataka Assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of inciting inflammatory rhetoric and being the reason behind the opposition to the bill. Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah questioned, "Can inflammatory speeches maintain peace in society?... The BJP engages in provocative speech, which is why they oppose this bill.
This statement came after the bill was approved, aimed at curbing acts that promote hostility, hatred, and discord among individuals and communities. The discussion took place in the Belagavi Assembly, where Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara elaborated on the provisions of the bill, emphasizing the need to clearly define hate speech and hate crimes within the legal framework.
While explaining the bill's objectives, the Home Minister stated that a precise definition of hate crimes is essential to effectively address statements and actions targeting specific communities. He clarified, "This pertains to speaking against a particular community." Additionally, he highlighted the penalties under the new law, stating, "Anyone committing a hate crime will face a minimum of one year in prison, which can extend up to seven years, along with a fine of ₹50,000." He further noted that repeat offenders (two or three times) would face increased penalties.
He mentioned that for repeat offenses, the punishment would be raised to two years, and the fine would increase to ₹1 lakh (instead of ₹50,000). After the bill's passage, Home Minister G. Parameshwara accused the BJP of politicizing the issue, asserting that the law is not intended to target any specific individual.