Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Karnataka Governor Delays Assent on Hate Speech Bill
In Karnataka, India, the governor is taking time to decide on two important bills.
One bill is about preventing hate speech and crimes, and the other is about giving special reservations within the Scheduled Castes group.
The hate speech bill was passed unanimously by the state legislature, but the governor hasn't decided yet.
The opposition party, BJP, is against the hate speech bill and plans to ask the governor not to approve it.
The other bill, about internal reservations for Scheduled Castes, has been sent back by the governor for more information.
This delay is affecting government jobs because recruitments are on hold until the reservations are finalized.
The government is waiting for the governor's response and will provide any needed clarifications.
Karnataka Governor has returned the SC internal quota Bill and is yet to decide on the hate speech Bill.
The hate speech Bill was passed unanimously but faces opposition from the BJP, which plans to petition the governor.
The SC internal quota Bill divides the 17% reservation into three groups: 6% each for Groups A and B, and 5% for Group C.
The delay in assenting to the Bills is freezing government recruitments until the internal reservation is finalized.
Out of 22 Bills sent for the governor's assent, 19 were approved, and two were returned for clarifications.
- Who
- Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Opposition BJP
- What
- Delay in assenting to hate speech and SC internal quota Bills
- When
- Pending decision, SC internal quota Bill returned
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- Governor seeking clarifications, Opposition opposition
- Bills Passed
- Karnataka Scheduled Castes (sub-classification) Bill, Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill
- Governor's Action
- Returned SC internal quota Bill, pending decision on hate speech Bill
- Opposition Stance
- BJP opposes hate speech Bill, plans to petition governor
- Reservation Details
- Group A and B: 6% each, Group C: 5%
- Recruitment Impact
- Government recruitments frozen until internal reservation finalized
- Bills Sent for Assent
- 22 Bills sent, 19 approved, 2 returned