Karnataka ‘hate speech’ bill unnecessary, existing framework adequate: Home Ministry
The Ministry conveyed the position of the “Central-State Department” regarding the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 to the Karnataka government.
The Karnataka government sent the bill to the Ministry of Home Affairs for President Draupadi Murmu’s approval in February after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot refused to assent to the bill.
The bill was passed by both houses of the state legislature in the winter session, which concluded on December 19 last year in Belagavi, despite strong opposition from the BJP and JD(S).
“The matter has been examined in the CS Division. In this connection, it is stated that the issues sought to be addressed are already largely covered under the existing provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and other applicable laws. Enactment of a separate state legislation may lead to duplication and lack of uniformity,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (CS Division) office memorandum dated May 12 said. he said.
“In view of the above, it is considered that the proposed legislation may not be necessary at this stage and that the existing legal framework is sufficient to address the concerns,” he added.
Following the Centre’s letter, the Karnataka Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation Department wrote to the state Home Ministry on May 20 to provide comments or clarifications on the said bill to ensure an early response to the Home Ministry, Government of India. The bill proposes one-year imprisonment, extendable up to seven years, along with a fine of Rs 50,000 for hate crime. The maximum imprisonment for repeat offenses will be seven years with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
The BJP had called the bill “cruel”, a “direct attack on freedom of expression” and a “dangerous tool for political revenge”.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sent the bill back without assent in January, stating that it would “have a serious chilling effect on constitutionally protected democratic discourse.”
The bill defines “hate speech” as any expression made, published or circulated, whether orally or in writing, or by signs or visible representations, or by electronic communication or otherwise, with the intent to cause injury, disharmony, or a feeling of hostility or hatred or ill-will towards a person, living or dead, or a class or group of persons or community, for the purpose of meeting any harmful interest.
Prejudicial interest refers to and includes prejudice on the basis of religion, race, caste or community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, place of residence, language, disability or tribe.
According to the bill, a “hate crime” includes the transmission, publication or distribution of hate speech, or any act of encouraging, disseminating, inciting or abetting or attempting to promote, disseminate, incite or abet such hate speech to cause feelings of discord or hostility or hatred or ill will towards any person or group of persons or entities, dead or alive.
