Karnataka Assembly Erupts Over ‘Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill 2025’
BJP stages strong protest as Congress government tables new legislation aimed at curbing hate speech and related offences.
The Karnataka Assembly witnessed heated scenes on Wednesday after the Congress-led government introduced the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil presented the Bill amid loud objections from BJP members, who continued their protest even as the Speaker moved the Bill for voting.
Speaker U.T. Khader asked members to voice their support or opposition, but BJP legislators shouted that they would never allow the Bill to be introduced. Some leaders called the proposed law “unnecessary” and demanded a detailed discussion in the House. Due to the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for 10 minutes.
The Bill had recently received cabinet approval under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The legislation seeks to curb hate speech and related crimes, and to reduce their impact on individuals, communities, and society at large.
BJP leaders have claimed that the Bill is aimed at targeting leaders associated with Hindutva groups, especially in the communally sensitive coastal belt. The Congress government moved forward with the proposal after a series of communal revenge killings in Dakshina Kannada district drew national attention. The government has also set up a special force to control violence in the region, and various wings have been tasked with monitoring social media activity.
Under the Bill, those convicted of hate crimes may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both. Such offences will be non-bailable and non-compoundable, and cases will be heard by a First-Class Magistrate.
The draft defines a hate crime as any act that causes harm or spreads hatred against a person on the basis of religion, race, caste, community, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, or tribe. Any action driven by prejudice or intolerance against these identities will fall under the purview of the law.
Earlier, speaking to reporters, Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that the law is not designed to target the Bharatiya Janata Party or its leaders. Responding to a question on whether the Bill is directed at the BJP, he said, “This is not meant to target the BJP. We will not be in power forever. Governments change, but the law will remain.”
He added that the Bill does not mention the BJP or any other political party, including the Congress or JD(S). “It is being introduced because the situation today requires stronger legal measures. It will strengthen the existing framework,” the minister said.
