Shivakumar defends Hate Speech Bill, accuses BJP of spreading division, hatred among people
On December 11, Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president D.K. Shivakumar spoke to reporters outside Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, defending the newly tabled Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill 2025. He said the law was essential to preserve constitutional values and curb hate speech.
The Congress cabinet had brought the bill to the Assembly the previous day, sparking fierce opposition from the BJP. When pressed about the criticism, Shivakumar quoted, “The BJP and its leaders are the pioneers of sowing hatred among castes and religions, and of personal attacks. They should conduct themselves according to the spirit of the Constitution. If they truly respect the Constitution, they must follow it.” He added that the government’s goal was to ease hostility in public life: “If they stop indulging in hate speech, there will be no problem at all. We have taken this step to protect the Constitution.”
Shivakumar also retorted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remark that Nehru and Indira Gandhi had engaged in vote theft, calling the allegation unreasonable: “Amit Shah must at least have basic knowledge about this. During their time, the ballot paper system was in use. How is vote theft possible then?”
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil introduced the bill in the state assembly. BJP legislators protested strongly, arguing the government had not consulted adequately and that the existing legal framework sufficed. They claimed the new law unfairly targets leaders affiliated with Hindutva groups, especially in coastal districts where communal tensions have been high. Speaker U.T. Khader called for a vote on the bill, but the BJP maintained its opposition; the House was adjourned briefly as the debate continued.
The draft legislation defines a hate crime as any act that harms, incites harm, or promotes prejudice or intolerance toward another person on the basis of religion, race, caste, community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, tribe, or characteristics of a family member or associated group. Convicted individuals face up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both; the offence is non‑cognizable and non‑bailable and is to be tried by a First Class Magistrate. The same penalties apply to hate speech.
The Congress‑led government drafted the bill after a spate of revenge killings in Mangalore that drew national concern. A special force has now been formed to prevent further violence, and dedicated units monitor social media for content that could spark unrest.
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