Bengaluru, December 4, 2025 – In a significant move to combat rising communal tensions, the Karnataka Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday approved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025. The legislation, which introduces stringent penalties including a minimum two-year jail term extending up to 10 years for repeat offenders, is set to be tabled in the ongoing Winter Session of the State Legislature in Belagavi beginning December 8.
The bill targets expressions or acts intended to incite disharmony, enmity, or hatred against individuals, groups, or communities based on prejudicial grounds such as religion, race, caste, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, or tribe. Hate speech is defined broadly as any spoken, written, signed, visible, or electronic communication made in public view with the intent to cause injury or ill-will, while hate crimes encompass promoting, publishing, or abetting such expressions to foster societal discord.
Under the proposed law, first-time offenders face imprisonment ranging from one to seven years alongside a fine of Rs 50,000. For subsequent violations, the punishment escalates to a mandatory minimum of two years, up to a maximum of 10 years in jail, coupled with a Rs 1 lakh fine. Courts will also have the authority to award compensation to victims based on the severity of harm inflicted. All offences are classified as cognizable and non-bailable, triable exclusively by a Judicial Magistrate First Class, ensuring swift judicial intervention.
The legislation extends liability to organizations and institutions, holding responsible persons accountable unless they demonstrate due diligence in prevention. Designated state officers will gain powers to direct intermediaries, service providers, and platforms to block or remove hate content from electronic media and other domains, complementing provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Exemptions are carved out for materials serving the public good, such as academic works, artistic expressions, scientific inquiries, or bona fide religious publications.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, who chaired the scrutiny committee that reviewed the draft earlier this year, hailed the approval as a crucial step to fill a legal void. "No existing law deals explicitly with hate speech," Patil stated, emphasizing the bill's role in preventing societal disturbances. He added that the measure includes "quite good provisions with regard to penalties" to deal firmly with offenders, while clarifying it is not aimed at targeting opposition leaders. Home Minister G. Parameshwara echoed this sentiment, denying accusations of political vendetta against the BJP. "This is not meant to target the BJP... It is being brought up considering the present-day necessity," he remarked, underscoring the law's enduring applicability across governments.
The bill's genesis traces back to concerns over communal violence, including revenge killings in Mangaluru, prompting the Congress government to bolster existing frameworks with dedicated provisions. Since assuming power in 2023, the administration has registered 259 cases related to fake news, with 75 under investigation, highlighting a broader push against misinformation and hate-mongering. A special force and social media monitoring units have already been established to curb violence.
However, the move has sparked political friction. Opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S), have criticized the bill as a veiled attempt to muzzle Hindutva voices in the coastal belt, vowing a robust response in the legislature. Critics argue it could encroach on free speech, echoing debates around earlier drafts introduced in June 2025 that proposed similar curbs on hate crimes with up to three-year terms.
As the Winter Session approaches, the bill is expected to ignite heated discussions, potentially reshaping Karnataka's approach to online and offline hate propagation amid a national surge in such incidents. The Cabinet also cleared seven other key legislations on Thursday, including amendments to temple endowments and cattle slaughter prevention laws, signaling a packed agenda for the session.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
