Karnataka Assembly passes Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, described as first such law
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 in Belagavi on 18 December 2025, with a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Summary
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 during its session in Belagavi on 18 December 2025, amid protests by Opposition BJP members. The Karnataka hate speech Bill, described as the first such law in the country, provides for a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. The Bill was cleared by the state Cabinet on 4 December and introduced in the Assembly by Home Minister G. Parameshwara on 10 December, and the earlier provision of 10 years' jail for repeat offences was reduced to seven years.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 18 December 2025, Belagavi
- Status
- Described as the first such law in India
- Punishment
- Jail up to 7 years; fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Introduced
- 10 December 2025, by Home Minister G. Parameshwara
- Cabinet nod
- 4 December 2025
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Who introduced the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 in the Karnataka Assembly on 10 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — G. Parameshwara
BusinessLine (PTI) and Moneycontrol: the Bill was presented in the House by Home Minister G. Parameshwara on 10 December.
Consider the following statements about the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025: 1. It is described as the first such law in the country. 2. It provides for jail of up to seven years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. 3. It was passed by the Assembly during its session in Bengaluru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
BusinessLine (PTI) and Moneycontrol: the first such law, with jail up to seven years and a fine up to ₹1 lakh. It was passed in Belagavi, not Bengaluru, so statement 3 is wrong.