Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has introduced the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill 2025 in the Legislative Assembly. The Bill aims to address the rise in targeted speech and violence that threatens peace in diverse communities across the state. Home Minister G Parameshwara tabled the Bill during the winter session, following its approval by the state Cabinet last week.
The proposed law seeks to prevent the dissemination and promotion of hate speech and hate crimes. It outlines strict penalties for individuals and organisations involved in promoting enmity or hostility. First time offenders face one to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000. Repeat offenders face up to ten years of imprisonment and fines that may reach Rs 1 lakh.
The Bill gives the government the authority to remove hate content from media platforms. A designated officer will be able to direct service providers to block access to harmful material. The draft defines hate speech as public expressions in verbal, written, visual, or electronic form intended to incite hatred against individuals or groups based on religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, language, or disability.
Hate crimes under the Bill include acts that incite, propagate, or abet hate speech. The legislation also addresses accountability for organisations that participate in such offences. It states that individuals responsible for the operation of an organisation during the time of the offence will be held liable.
The introduction of the Bill has brought attention to the need for legal steps to prevent targeted harassment and strengthen protections for vulnerable groups. Lawmakers will now debate the draft as advocacy groups and minority communities watch closely.
