Hindu Group Urges Karnataka Governor to Halt Anti-Hate Speech Bill

A right-wing Hindu organisation, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, has asked Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to withhold his approval of the proposed Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025. The group has described the bill as unconstitutional and warned that it could seriously restrict freedom of speech and religious practices.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, representatives of the Samiti and several allied organisations expressed strong opposition to the bill. They argued that the proposed law contains vague and broad definitions of terms such as “hate speech,” “hate crime,” and “bias-motivated interest,” which could allow authorities to misuse it to silence dissenting voices.

The organisation claimed that the bill could lead to people being punished for speech even when there is no intention to incite violence or hatred. According to the memorandum, this opens the door to arbitrary and selective action by law enforcement agencies.

The Samiti also raised concerns about religious freedom, stating that the bill places the burden of proof on the accused to show that their speech was in the public interest or based on genuine religious belief. It said this goes against established principles of criminal law.

It warned that common Hindu religious activities—such as quoting scriptures, engaging in religious discussions, debating doctrines, or criticising religious ideologies—could be criminalised under the proposed legislation.

Objecting to provisions that make speech-related offences cognisable and non-bailable, the group said this could result in immediate arrests and harassment of saints, social activists, journalists, and others, leading to suppression of free expression.

The memorandum also criticised the bill for giving wide powers to executive magistrates and police officers, including the authority to remove content without proper inquiry or a strong appeal process. The Samiti said this violates the principles of natural justice.

Additionally, the organisation pointed out that many issues addressed by the bill are already covered under existing central laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Information Technology Act. It warned that the state law could clash with central legislation under Article 254 of the Constitution.

The Samiti urged the Governor to use his powers under Article 200 of the Constitution to withhold assent and send the bill back to the state legislature for reconsideration, with clearer definitions, safeguards for fundamental rights, and stronger judicial oversight.