Karnataka Cabinet Clears Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2025

Bengaluru, Dec 2025 : The Karnataka cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday approved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, along with several other important legislative proposals. The move comes amid heightened concerns over communal tensions in the state, particularly in the coastal region.

The new Bill is aimed at preventing hate speech and hate crimes, mitigating their impact on individuals, groups, and the wider community, and strengthening existing legal measures. Once approved, it will be presented to both Houses of the state legislature during the winter session, starting December 8 at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

The draft legislation stipulates that individuals found guilty of committing a hate crime could face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. The offences will be non-cognisable, non-bailable, and will be tried before a first-class magistrate. A person will be deemed to have committed a hate crime if they cause harm, incite harm, or spread hatred against another individual based on religion, race, caste, community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, or tribe. Any action motivated by prejudice or intolerance toward these identities will fall within the scope of the offence.

The Congress-led state government proposed the legislation following a series of communal revenge killings in the Mangaluru district that attracted national attention. To ensure safety, the government has set up a special force to manage violence in sensitive areas, while separate monitoring wings are tracking social media activity that could potentially incite unrest.

The proposed Bill has already generated strong reactions from opposition parties. Leaders of the BJP and JD(S) have criticised the legislation, claiming it targets leaders associated with Hindutva groups, particularly in Karnataka’s communally sensitive coastal belt.

Addressing these concerns, Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that the legislation is not intended to single out any political party or its leaders. “This is not meant to target the BJP. We will not be in power permanently. Governments change. Whoever comes to power, the law will remain in place,” he said. He added, “The bill does not mention the BJP, Congress, or JD(S). It is being introduced in response to present-day necessities and to strengthen the existing legal framework.”

Parameshwara noted that the Bill adds new provisions to the current legal structure, enhancing the state’s capacity to prevent and punish hate-driven crimes. The government emphasised that the legislation is meant to protect vulnerable communities and maintain law and order, ensuring that acts of prejudice, intolerance, or incitement to violence are addressed firmly and efficiently.

With the winter session scheduled to begin shortly, the Bill is expected to dominate legislative discussions, reflecting Karnataka’s focus on curbing communal tensions and promoting a safer, more inclusive environment for all citizens.