Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 18: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill-2025 to curb acts that promote enmity, hatred, and disharmony among individuals and communities.

The legislation, introduced by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, was debated in the assembly session held in Belagavi. It aims to legally define and penalise acts of hate speech and hate crimes that promote enmity, hatred and social disharmony among individuals and communities.

The Home Minister said there had been a sharp rise in statements that hurt society and could have serious consequences.

Explaining the provisions in the bill, the Home Minister said the law would regulate individuals or organisations spreading hatred through speeches, books or electronic media.

He said the Bill would apply even to older publications. The maximum punishment under the law is up to seven years of imprisonment, with fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Offences are treated as cognisable and non-bailable, indicating that arrests can be made without a warrant and bail is not a matter of right.

The passage of the Bill was met with protests and vocal opposition from BJP legislators, reflecting political divisions over its scope and implications.

Leader of the Opposition R Ashok called it an attack on freedom of expression.

Ashok claimed there was no provision for bail and warned that journalists could also be jailed under the law.