Explained | What is Karnataka’s new hate speech Bill?

Key Points

1. Karnataka government tabled the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, 2025 on December 10, 2025.
2. The Bill proposes a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine for hate speech and hate crimes.
3. The cabinet cleared the Bill on December 4, 2025.
4. The Bill defines 'hate speech' as any expression that causes injury, disharmony, or hatred against a person or community.
5. The punishment for hate crime includes imprisonment from one to seven years and a fine of ₹50,000.
6. For repeat offenders, the jail term is two to 10 years with a fine of ₹1 lakh.
7. Offences under the Bill are cognisable and non-bailable, and triable by the Judicial Magistrate First Class.
8. The Bill empowers the State government to block or remove hate crime materials from electronic media.