Karnataka Legislative Council Passes Hate Speech Prevention Bill Amidst Controversy

Karnataka Council Approves Hate Speech Legislation

On Friday, the Karnataka Legislative Council approved the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025. The upper house of the state assembly witnessed intense debates between Congress members and legislators from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amid disruptions. Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that the bill is not motivated by political revenge but aims to curb hate speech and hate crimes. In contrast, BJP MLC C.T. Ravi criticized Congress, asserting that the party would not win if elections were held today.

Opposition members stormed the well of the house to protest. Despite the ongoing uproar and chanting from the opposition, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti continued with the voting process, leading to the bill's passage. Earlier, the Karnataka Assembly had also passed a similar bill aimed at preventing hate speech and hate crimes. This legislation seeks to address acts that promote hostility, hatred, and discord among individuals and communities. The provisions of the bill were elaborated upon during discussions held in the assembly located in Belagavi, where Minister G. Parameshwara emphasized the need to clearly define hate speech and hate crimes within the legal framework.

Defining hate speech, Parameshwara stated that it refers to communication intended to incite hostility or hatred towards an individual (living or deceased), a group of individuals, or an organization.