Karnataka cabinet clears hate speech and hate crimes bill

Karnataka Cabinet okays Hate Speech & Hate Crimes Bill: up to 7 yrs jail, ₹50k fine, non‑bailable offences, online blocks, and preventive powers

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, a landmark move aimed at curbing divisive and inflammatory communication. The proposed legislation prescribes stringent punishment, including imprisonment of up to seven years and fines of ₹50,000 for hate speech, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

The bill defines hate speech and hate crimes in broad terms, covering spoken, written, visual, and electronic forms of communication that incite hostility or hatred against individuals or groups. At the same time, it provides limited exemptions for genuine works in science, literature, art, learning, heritage, or religious practices, ensuring that academic and cultural expression is not stifled.

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Under the new framework, offences will be treated as cognisable and non‑bailable, giving law enforcement greater authority to act swiftly. Organisations can also be held accountable, with associated persons required to demonstrate either lack of knowledge or due diligence to avoid liability.

The bill empowers a designated officer to instruct intermediaries and service providers to block or remove online content deemed to promote hate crimes. Additionally, district magistrates and deputy superintendents of police have been granted preventive powers, enabling them to intervene if they believe a hate crime is imminent.

Officials say the legislation is designed to strengthen social harmony and provide authorities with sharper tools to counter hate‑driven violence. By combining punitive measures with preventive powers, the state government hopes to send a strong message against intolerance and safeguard public order.

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