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.
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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.
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.
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:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Information Technology Act, 2000
Definitions from these laws apply where relevant.
Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025
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