The Karnataka government’s proposed anti-hate speech law remains in limbo, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot yet to either approve or return the Bill weeks after it was passed by the state legislature, chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru before leaving for Bengaluru after completing official programmes, Siddaramaiah said the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill had neither been rejected nor sent back for reconsideration by the Raj Bhavan.

“The Bill was passed unanimously. It has not been rejected, sent back or accepted yet,” the chief minister said. He added that the state government was prepared to offer clarifications if the governor sought them and that the provisions of the legislation would be explained whenever required.

Two Bills, Two Different Outcomes

The hate speech Bill was one of two major legislations cleared during the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly. The other was the Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-classification) Bill, which aims to implement internal reservation within the existing Scheduled Castes quota.

While the governor has returned the Scheduled Castes internal reservation Bill to the government, no decision has yet been communicated on the hate speech legislation. Officials in the law department confirmed that the internal reservation Bill had been formally sent back by the Raj Bhavan.

The differing treatment of the two Bills has fuelled political debate, with the Congress-led government insisting that the hate speech law is necessary to curb rising incidents of communal and social hatred, while the Opposition argues it poses a threat to free expression.

Governor’s Office: No Clarifications Sought

Officials in the governor’s office confirmed that no clarifications have been sought so far on the hate speech Bill and that it has not been returned. At the same time, Governor Gehlot has given assent to several other Bills passed during the Belagavi session, enabling them to be notified in the official gazette.

This has led to questions from the ruling party on why the hate speech Bill remains pending, even as other legislations have moved forward.

BJP Opposition and Political Pushback

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which has strongly opposed the hate speech Bill, is expected to submit a representation to the governor urging him to withhold assent. BJP leaders have argued that the law’s definitions are vague and could be misused to target political opponents, journalists and activists.

Free speech advocates have echoed similar concerns, warning that the Bill’s wide scope and stringent penalties could have a chilling effect on dissent.

What the Bill Proposes

The proposed law defines hate speech broadly as any spoken, written, symbolic or electronically transmitted expression made in public view with the intent to cause injury, disharmony, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will against an individual, group or community.

Notably, the definition extends to references to deceased persons if such expression serves what the Bill calls a “prejudicial interest.” Prejudicial interest is defined as bias or hostility based on factors including religion, race, caste or community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability or tribe.

The Bill also extends liability beyond individuals to organisations and institutions, making them accountable for hate speech or hate crimes committed under their banner.

Stringent Punishments

Under the proposed legislation, hate speech and hate crimes would be treated as cognisable and non-bailable offences, triable by a judicial magistrate of the first class.

Introducing the Bill in the Assembly, home minister G Parameshwara had said that offenders would face imprisonment of not less than one year, which may extend up to seven years, along with a fine of ₹50,000. For repeat offences, the punishment would increase to a minimum of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.

The government has argued that such stringent provisions are necessary to deter repeat offenders and prevent the escalation of social tensions.

Concerns Over Free Speech

During debates in the Assembly and outside, Opposition parties and civil liberties groups have raised concerns that the Bill’s takedown mechanisms and enforcement powers could be misused. Critics argue that the lack of precise safeguards may allow authorities to act selectively, potentially curbing legitimate criticism, satire or political speech.

The Congress government has countered these claims, saying the law is aimed strictly at preventing hate-driven violence and social disharmony, not silencing dissent.

Scheduled Castes Bill Raises Separate Issues

Meanwhile, the governor’s decision to return the Scheduled Castes internal reservation Bill has opened up a separate debate. The legislation proposes dividing the existing 17% reservation for Scheduled Castes into three groups—6% each for Groups A and B, and 5% for Group C.

Nomadic tribes have opposed the move, demanding a separate 1% quota, and have raised concerns that internal sub-classification could reduce their share of benefits.

What Lies Ahead

With the hate speech Bill neither cleared nor rejected, the Karnataka government is now waiting for the governor’s next move. If the Bill is returned, the Assembly may reconsider it or pass it again, which would place constitutional pressure on the Raj Bhavan to take a final call.

For now, the legislation remains in suspension, even as political tensions continue to simmer over its intent, scope and potential impact on free speech and governance in the state.