Telangana Introduces Hate Speech Bill with Up to 10-Year Jail Term; Gig Workers Welfare Law Also Tabled
New Bills aim to curb hate crimes and strengthen social security for lakhs of gig workers in the state
The Telangana government has introduced a new Bill in the State Legislative Assembly to tackle hate speech and hate crimes more effectively. Titled the Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2026, the proposed law seeks to plug gaps in existing legal provisions and respond to the rising complexity of such offences.
The Bill was presented on Sunday, March 29, by Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu on behalf of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. If passed, Telangana will become the second state in India, after Karnataka, to implement a dedicated law addressing hate speech and related crimes.
According to the proposed legislation, individuals found guilty of committing hate crimes could face imprisonment ranging from one to seven years, along with a fine of ₹50,000. For repeat offenders, the punishment is more severe, with jail terms extending from two to ten years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. Importantly, all offences under this law are classified as non-bailable, highlighting the government’s strict approach.
The state Cabinet had earlier approved the Bill on March 23, stressing the need for stronger legal tools to prevent actions that may disturb public order or fuel social tensions. The legislation also aims to provide better protection and support for victims.
In addition to this, the government introduced another significant piece of legislation — the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026. This Bill is designed to benefit approximately 4.2 lakh gig workers across the state.
Key features of the gig workers’ Bill include compulsory registration, the creation of a welfare board, and the establishment of a dedicated welfare fund. The draft has also been updated to align with the Centre’s Social Security Code.
Together, these two Bills reflect the Telangana government’s dual focus on maintaining social harmony and improving welfare measures for workers in the fast-growing gig economy.
