The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill amid noisy protests by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators. The bill, described as the first such law in the country, provides for imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for offences related to hate speech and hate crimes.
The legislation was passed despite sustained disruption by BJP MLAs, who raised objections during the proceedings. The bill had been cleared by the state cabinet on December 4 and was introduced in the Assembly by Home Minister G Parameshwara on December 10.
Addressing the House, Parameshwara said that a provision prescribing a jail term of up to 10 years for repeat offences had been revised, with the maximum punishment now capped at seven years.
As per the bill, hate speech includes any expression made, published or circulated - whether spoken, written, through signs, visible representations, electronic communication or any other means—in public view, with the intention of causing injury, disharmony, enmity, hatred or ill-will against an individual, whether alive or dead, or against a class, group or community, in a manner prejudicial to public interest.
During the discussion, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh remarked that coastal Karnataka was “burning” due to incidents of hate speech and hate crimes. The statement triggered sharp objections from BJP MLAs representing the region, who then entered the well of the House in protest. Other BJP legislators soon joined them, leading to further disruption.
Despite the protests, the Assembly went ahead and passed the bill.
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