Karnataka Becomes First State to Pass Exclusive Anti-Hate Speech Law
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has passed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, making Karnataka the first state in India to bring a dedicated law to deal with hate speech and hate crimes.
The new law aims to prevent and punish acts that promote hatred, violence, or hostility against individuals or groups based on religion, caste, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, disability, place of birth, residence, or tribe.
The Bill gives a wide definition of hate speech. It covers spoken or written words, signs, visible representations, online content, or electronic communication shared in public with the intention of creating hatred, enmity, disharmony, or ill-will against a person or community. Even speech directed against a deceased person or a group can fall under this law if it targets protected grounds.
A hate crime under the law includes not only making or sharing hateful content, but also promoting, encouraging, inciting, or attempting to spread such speech.
For punishment, a first-time offence can lead to imprisonment from one to seven years, a fine of ₹5,000, or both. Repeat offenders will face a minimum of two years and up to ten years in jail, along with a fine of ₹1 lakh. All hate speech offences will be cognisable and non-bailable and will be tried by Judicial First Class Magistrate Courts.
The law also provides for compensation to victims. It applies to both individuals and office-bearers of organisations. However, actions done in good faith, public interest, or as part of official duties have been exempted.
Importantly, the State government can appoint designated officers who will have the power to direct online platforms, intermediaries, or service providers to block or remove hate speech content from their platforms.
