Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Karnataka Passes Hate Speech Bill
The Karnataka government has passed a new law to stop hate speech and hate crimes.
This law says that if someone says or writes something to make people hate each other, they can go to jail for 1 to 7 years and have to pay a fine.
The government also changed the law to make the punishment less severe for repeated offenses.
Some people in the government disagreed and made noise, but the law was still passed.
The law is meant to protect people from harmful words that can cause fights or violence.
Karnataka Assembly passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025 to curb hate speech and crimes.
Bill defines hate speech as communication that promotes enmity, hatred, or ill-will against individuals or groups.
Penalties include 1-7 years imprisonment and fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
An amendment reduced the maximum punishment for repeated offenses from 10 to 7 years.
The bill was passed amid objections and noise from BJP MLAs, particularly regarding coastal Karnataka.
- Who
- Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Home Minister G Parameshwara, BJP MLAs
- What
- Passing of the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025
- When
- December 18, 2025
- Where
- Belagavi, Karnataka
- Why
- To curb acts that promote enmity, hatred, and disharmony among individuals and communities
- Bill Name
- Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025
- Penalties
- 1-7 years imprisonment and ₹50,000-1,00,000 fine
- Amendment
- Maximum punishment reduced from 10 to 7 years
- Passing Date
- December 18, 2025
- Location
- Belagavi, Karnataka
- Key Figures
- G Parameshwara (Home Minister), Byrathi Suresh (Urban Development Minister)
