Law / Governance / Society
Karnataka has tabled the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 — the first State law in India to explicitly define hate speech and create a comprehensive framework to tackle hate-motivated offences.
The Bill targets rising incidents of hate crimes, including those spread through digital platforms, and focuses on both prevention and punishment. It defines hate speech as expressions that provoke injury, hostility, or disharmony against individuals or groups on grounds such as religion, caste, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, or place of birth.
Penalties range from 2 to 10 years of imprisonment, along with fines, with stricter punishment for repeat offences and aggravated circumstances.
APSC relevance: Criminal law reform, regulation of hate speech, digital era crimes, Centre–State legislative dynamics.
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