The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, making the state the first in India to enact a standalone law to curb hate speech and hate-motivated crimes. The Bill was passed amid strong protests by BJP legislators, who accused the Congress government of attempting to curb free speech.
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Introduced by Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara, the law criminalises hate speech and hate crimes based on religion, caste, language, gender, community and other protected identities. Offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable, with punishments ranging from one to seven years of imprisonment and fines up to ₹50,000. Repeat offenders may face up to ten years in jail and fines of up to ₹1 lakh.
The legislation also empowers authorities to block or remove online content promoting hatred or violence, a provision opposed by the BJP, which termed the law a “weapon against dissent.”
Defending the Bill, the Congress government said it is necessary to curb rising hate speech and communal polarisation, claiming existing laws are inadequate. The Bill will now be taken up in the Legislative Council for further discussion.
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