BELAGAVI: The Karnataka government on Wednesday introduced the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 in the assembly, proposing penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 lakh for those convicted of hate speech or related offences.
The bill also includes provisions for compensating victims, with the amount determined by the severity of the offence. It adopts definitions laid out under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act.
Home minister G. Parameshwara tabled the legislation amid loud protests from BJP members. Senior BJP MLA Sunil Kumar demanded a division of votes, but the Speaker allowed the introduction to proceed. The bill will now be taken up for debate in both Houses.
Powers to block content
The proposed law authorises government agencies to instruct social media platforms, intermediaries, and service providers to block or remove content deemed inflammatory. Its objective is to curb the publication, promotion, or circulation of hate speech and hate crimes that foster hostility or social disharmony.
Under the draft, hate speech becomes a cognizable and non-bailable offence, triable before a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC). For organisations found guilty, “every person who was in charge and responsible at the time of the offence” will be held liable, the bill states.
Exemptions and protections
Exemptions apply to material published in the public interest — including works related to science, literature, art, learning, or heritage — and to acts done in good faith by public servants. Items preserved for legitimate religious or heritage purposes are also excluded.
Deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar backed the legislation, saying, “Preventing hate speech is part of the government’s agenda. We must maintain peace, law, and order in the state.”
