In a significant political move, the Karnataka government presented the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill in the state assembly on Wednesday.
Tabled by Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, the bill mandates imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of ₹50,000 for a first offence, escalating to 10 years in jail and a ₹1 lakh fine for repeat offenders. The bill, previously approved by the state cabinet on December 4.
The legislation defines ‘hate speech’ as any expression that is intended to cause injury, disharmony, or feelings of enmity or hatred against a person, class, group, or community with the purpose of meeting prejudicial interests. The bill covers expressions made through various means such as words spoken or written, visible representations, electronic communication, and more.
The introduction of this bill comes amidst growing concerns over hate crimes and speech in Karnataka and across India. The legislation is set to provide a framework for addressing these issues and promoting harmony among diverse communities within the state.
“The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 has been brought purely to uphold peace and harmony in society,” Law Minister HK Patil said. “Anyone who genuinely believes in maintaining social peace will have no reason to oppose this bill.”
He further clarified: “This legislation is not aimed at targeting any individual or community. It has been introduced in the larger interest of society, fully in accordance with constitutional principles.”
Notably, this move follows the recommendations made by various committees such as the Justice Sachar Committee, which emphasized the need for stricter laws against hate speech and crimes.
Speaking to reporters after tabling the bill in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that preventing hate speech is an important part of the government’s agenda. He stressed that such speech cannot be allowed in society and that maintaining peace and law and order in the state is a priority.
