The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama on Thursday, December 18, 2025, as the Congress-led state government pushed through The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025. The controversial legislation was passed amid vociferous protests and walkouts by BJP legislators, who labeled it a tool for "political vendetta" that could turn police into "Hitler."
What the New Hate Speech Law Entails
Piloted by State Home Minister G Parameshwara, the Bill aims to systematically curb hate speech and related crimes. It provides a broad definition, classifying 'hate speech' as any public expression—verbal, written, visual, or electronic—intended to incite enmity or hatred against individuals or groups based on religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, language, or disability.
The law grants the government authority to remove hate crime material from digital platforms and media portals. Penalties are severe: imprisonment from one to seven years and a fine of Rs 5,000 for offenders. For repeat offenders, the punishment includes a jail term and a hefty fine that can go up to Rs 1 lakh.
Defence and Fierce Opposition in the House
Defending the Bill, Home Minister Parameshwara cited a Supreme Court directive from May 2025, which advised dealing with communal hatred with an "iron hand." He argued that hate speech often leads to murders and community clashes, undermining social health. "It is impossible for police to indefinitely ban individuals making provocative speeches. A law is required to prevent that," he stated.
The opposition, led by Leader of Opposition R Ashok, launched a scathing attack. Ashok contended the Bill violated Article 19(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. "This is a weapon for political vendetta... To please some people, someone will be sent to jail," he alleged, warning it would be used against journalists and opposition parties alike. He asserted that existing provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were sufficient to handle provocative speeches.
Chaos and Coastal Karnataka Controversy
The discussion was derailed by a separate controversy when Urban Development Minister Byrati Suresh allegedly mocked BJP MLAs from coastal Karnataka. His remark, "After setting fire to the coasts, why are you spewing fire here," directed at BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamath, triggered an uproar.
BJP legislators from the coastal region stormed the well of the House, demanding an apology and causing a din. This move, however, also caused disagreement within the BJP, as some members felt it hampered their ability to debate the Hate Speech Bill effectively. Senior BJP leaders intervened to calm tensions.
Amid the chaos, the Bill was passed, and the House was adjourned for lunch. In a contrasting show of unity, The Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025 was passed unanimously the same day.
The passage of the Hate Speech Bill sets the stage for a significant legal and political battle in Karnataka, centering on the balance between preventing communal violence and safeguarding free speech.
