Karnataka's new hate speech law: What's changing and why it matters
Karnataka just introduced the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill 2025, aiming to crack down on public expressions—spoken, written, or online—that spread hate or disharmony based on religion, caste, gender, sexuality, and more.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar says it's needed to keep the peace.
Why you should care
If this bill becomes law, first-time offenders could face 1-7 years in jail (plus a ₹50k fine), while repeat offenses mean up to 10 years behind bars.
It also lets authorities block harmful online content and holds organizations accountable if they don't act.
While supporters say it fills gaps in India's current laws, critics—including the BJP—worry it might limit free speech or be used against dissent.
The debate highlights big questions about balancing safety with freedom of expression in today's digital world.