Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Wednesday tabled the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill in the state assembly, aiming to curb expressions that promote enmity, disharmony, or hatred against individuals or communities. However, the move has sparked political tension, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raising concerns about potential misuse to stifle dissent and target political opponents.

The bill, cleared by the cabinet on December 4 and introduced by Home Minister G Parameshwara, defines hate speech broadly as any expression—spoken, written, electronic, or visual—that intends to cause harm, ill will, or prejudice against a person, group, or community. It also covers biases based on religion, caste, community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, language, disability, or tribe.

Hate crimes, according to the legislation, include acts that promote, propagate, or attempt to incite hate speech. The law exempts works in science, literature, art, learning, or bona fide religious and heritage purposes.

Penalties under the bill are stringent:

• First offences: Minimum one year imprisonment (extendable to seven years) and a fine of ₹50,000.
• Repeat offences: Minimum two years in prison with fines up to ₹1 lakh.
• Cognisable and non-bailable: All offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable.
• Courts may award compensation to victims based on the severity of the impact.

The legislation also holds organizations accountable: any institution where the offence occurs will see those in charge deemed guilty, unless they can prove lack of knowledge or due diligence. Authorities can direct service providers to block or remove offending content online.

Government Justification:
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasized the need to maintain peace and order, particularly in light of retaliatory killings in Mangaluru, citing the creation of specialized forces to monitor potential flashpoints. Minister H.K. Patil and Congress MLA Priyank Kharge defended the bill, insisting it targets public safety and communal harmony, not political rivals.

Opposition Reaction:
BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, have accused the government of attempting to suppress free speech and silence dissent. They allege the bill could be weaponized against critics, particularly Hindu organizations in coastal Karnataka, where communal tensions have been high.

The bill gives executive magistrates and deputy superintendents powers to take preventive action if they anticipate violations, a provision BJP lawmakers argue could be prone to misuse.

Political Context:
The tabling of the bill comes amid heightened political tensions in Karnataka, with Congress seeking to strengthen legal tools to curb communal unrest, while BJP accuses the ruling party of politicizing legislation. Speaker UT Khader had to adjourn the House after continued uproar during the introduction of the bill.

The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime Bill represents a significant expansion of legal powers against hate speech, but its broad definitions and strict penalties have already drawn sharp debates over free speech, political targeting, and potential executive overreach.