Karnataka assembly passes bill criminalizing hate speech amid BJP opposition

DW
DW
2h ago
4 views
Karnataka passed a hate speech bill with penalties including jail, prompting opposition protests over free speech concerns.
Karnataka assembly passes bill criminalizing hate speech amid BJP opposition
A What happened
The Karnataka legislative assembly enacted the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, defining hate speech as expressions causing disharmony or enmity and prescribing penalties including fines and jail sentences up to seven years. Officials cited increasing regional hate crimes and a Supreme Court ruling emphasizing the need to curb communal hatred. BJP opposition criticized the bill as a tool to stifle free speech and target opposition and media, and protested its passage without debate while BJP members were outside the chamber. The bill was approved without further opportunity for discussion or committee review.

Key insights

  • 1

    Criminalization of Broad Hate Speech Definitions: The bill’s broad definition of hate speech as causing societal disharmony grants authorities wide discretion, which may facilitate selective enforcement against political opponents or dissenters.

  • 2

    Tension Between Security and Free Speech: The legislation highlights the ongoing balance in India between curbing communal violence and preserving constitutional free speech rights, reflecting deep political and social divisions.

  • 3

    Political Strategy in Legislative Process: Passing the bill while the main opposition BJP was protesting outside the chamber indicates a strategic move by the ruling party to limit debate and accelerate enactment despite opposition objections.

Takeaways

Karnataka’s new hate speech law formalizes tough penalties amid regional tensions over free speech and communal violence, with significant implications for political freedoms and legal interpretations in India.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation Governance

Read the full article on DW