BELAGAVI — The Karnataka Assembly, on Thursday, passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, the first such law of its kind in the country amid loud protests and strong opposition by the BJP legislators.
The Bill has a provision for a jail term up to seven years and a fine upto Rs 1 lakh.
The bill, cleared by the cabinet on December 4, was presented in the House by Home Minister G Parameshwara on December 10.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, while explaining the Bill, said there had been a sharp rise in statements that hurt society and could have serious consequences.
“In recent times, many people have been making statements that hurt society, and this has increased significantly. We do not know what impact they will have,” he said, referring to murders, assaults and growing social tensions.
Explaining the provisions of the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025, the Home Minister said the law would regulate individuals or organisations spreading hatred through speeches, books or electronic media.
He said the Bill would apply even to older publications. The maximum punishment under the law is up to seven years of imprisonment, with fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
The Minister said the provision for 10 years jail term in the event of repeated offence has been reduced to seven years.
During the discussion, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh said coastal Karnataka is “burning” due to hate speech and hate crime.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashok opposed the Bill, calling it an attack on freedom of expression.
He questioned the need for such a law even after 75 years of Independence and alleged that it could be misused to target individuals.
BJP MLAs from the region raised objection to this and then trooped in to the well of the house. Other BJP legislators followed them.
Amid the din, the bill was passed by the Assembly. — With inputs from PTI
