Only those making provocative speeches oppose anti-hate speech Bill: CM Siddaramaiah
In a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked a fresh debate over the contentious Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025, after it passed both Houses of the state legislature. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of making provocative speeches and claimed this was the reason behind the party's opposition to the legislation.
The legislation, which defines and penalizes hate speech, has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with both the government and the opposition trading barbs over its provisions. The bill, which was tabled on December 10, 2025, in the Karnataka Assembly during the winter session in Belagavi, seeks to make offenders liable for imprisonment and hefty fines.
Siddaramaiah's comments came a day after the bill was passed by the Karnataka Council, with the Chief Minister accusing the BJP of resorting to "defensive tactics" to shield its leaders from accountability. "If someone calls you a pumpkin thief, why are you touching your shoulder?" Siddaramaiah asked, using a Kannada proverb to drive home his point.
The Chief Minister's assertion that only those who make provocative speeches would oppose the legislation is not without merit. The bill penalizes acts that promote enmity, hatred, and disharmony among individuals and communities, with specific focus on statements and actions targeting particular communities based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, and language.
Under the legislation, offenders can face imprisonment for a term not less than one year but extendable to seven years, with a fine of Rs 50,000 for the first offense. Repeat offenders can be jailed for a minimum of two years with a fine of Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000).
The government has emphasized that the bill is not intended to target any specific individual but rather to address the increase in hate speech in recent times. Home Minister G Parameshwara has stated that hate crimes require precise legal definition to effectively address statements and actions targeting specific communities.
However, the BJP has opposed the bill on multiple grounds, with Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje alleging that the Congress-led government is attempting to impose an "undeclared Emergency" in Karnataka. The BJP has also accused the government of framing the bill to target specific individuals.
Civil society groups have expressed reservations about the legislation, fearing that the powers given to the government could be misused. Concerns have been raised that the bill's provisions making organizations collectively liable for hate speech could be used to target media outlets, NGOs, or civil society groups.
The bill's provisions have also sparked concerns about overlap with existing provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with questions about whether the new law duplicates central law provisions.
As the debate over the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill continues to rage, one thing is clear: the legislation has sparked a fresh wave of discussion on hate speech and its implications in India. Whether the bill will be a game-changer in addressing hate speech or simply another example of government overreach remains to be seen.
What is certain, however, is that the opposition to the bill is not just about ideology, but also about accountability. Those who make provocative speeches are more likely to oppose the bill, as they are the ones who will be held accountable for their actions.
In the end, the fate of the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill will be determined by the courts and the people of Karnataka. But one thing is clear: the debate over hate speech is far from over.
📰 Source: The Hindu - National
