India’s First Anti Hate Speech Law: Karnataka Hate Speech And Hate Crimes Bill 2025 Explained

Karnataka has passed India’s first comprehensive anti-hate speech law, introducing strict penalties for hate speech and hate crimes. The Bill defines offences clearly, makes them non-bailable, and grants powers to block online hate content.

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KARNATAKA: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has passed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, a significant legislative step aimed at curbing hate speech, preventing hate crimes, and maintaining social harmony in the state.

The Bill seeks to address the growing concern over speech and actions that promote hatred, enmity, or violence against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics such as religion, caste, gender, language, or sexual orientation.

ALSO READ: Not Legislating Or Monitoring Every Small Incident: Supreme Court On Hate Speech

The Bill aims to prevent the dissemination, publication, or promotion of hate speech and hate crimes that may cause disharmony and hatred in society. It also provides strict punishments for offenders and ensures adequate compensation for victims.

Once notified in the Official Gazette, the legislation will be enforced across Karnataka.

Definition of Hate Speech

Under the Bill, hate speech is broadly defined as:

Any expression—spoken, written, visual, or electronic—made in public view with the intention to cause injury, disharmony, or feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill-will against a person (alive or dead), or a group or community, based on prejudicial interests.

This includes communication through:

Spoken or written words
Signs or visible representations
Print or digital publications
Social media and electronic platforms

“Prejudicial Interests” Under the Law

The Bill identifies bias or prejudice based on the following grounds as protected categories:

Religion
Race
Caste or community
Sex or gender
Sexual orientation
Place of birth
Residence
Language
Disability
Tribe

Any hate speech or act targeting individuals or groups on these grounds may attract criminal liability.

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Definition of Hate Crime

A hate crime under the Bill includes:

Making, publishing, or circulating hate speech
Promoting, propagating, inciting, abetting, or attempting hate speech
Acts intended to create hatred, enmity, or ill-will against individuals, groups, or organisations

Notably, both individuals and organisations can be held liable under this law.

Punishment for Hate Speech and Hate Crimes in Karnataka

For First-Time Offences:

Imprisonment: Minimum 1 year, extendable up to 7 years
Fine: Up to ₹50,000
Or both imprisonment and fine

For Repeat Offences:

Imprisonment: Minimum 2 years, extendable up to 10 years
Fine: Up to ₹1 lakh

Trial and Nature of Offences:

Offences are cognisable and non-bailable
Trials will be conducted by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) courts

Compensation for Victims

The court is empowered to award adequate compensation to victims, taking into account:

Nature of injury
Gravity of impact
Social and psychological harm caused by the hate crime

Preventive Powers and Law Enforcement Action

The Bill authorises:

Executive Magistrates
Special Executive Magistrates
Police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or above

to take preventive action if there is a reasonable belief that a person or group may commit an offence under the Act. These powers align with provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Power to Block or Remove Hate Content

A designated officer, notified by the State Government, may direct:

Social media platforms
Internet service providers
Intermediaries or entities

to block or remove hate crime material, including content published on electronic and digital media.

ALSO READ: “Hate Speech Is Specific & Can’t Be Equated With Wrong Assertions or False Claims”: CJI Dismisses PIL for Hate Speech Guidelines

Liability of Organisations and Institutions

If a hate crime is committed by an organisation or institution:

Office-bearers and persons in charge of its operations may be held responsible
Liability can be avoided only if they prove lack of knowledge or due diligence

Exemptions and Safeguards

The Act provides safeguards for:

Actions done in good faith
Publications in the interest of science, literature, art, education, or public good
Bona fide religious or heritage purposes

Public servants acting in good faith under the Act are protected from legal proceedings.

Relationship With Other Laws

The Act operates in addition to existing laws, including: