Hate Speech Bill passed in Council after over six hours of debate, amid BJP protest

After over six hours of debate, an adjournment and protest by the BJP in the Well of the House, The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, was passed by the Karnataka Legislative Council on Friday.

The debate on the Bill, which was earlier adopted by the Legislative Assembly, began at 10.40 a.m. on Friday with Home Minister G. Parameshwara explaining the objective of the Bill.

Dr. Parameshwara quoted the Supreme Court observation in Vishal Tiwari vs Union of India and others, which said, “Hate speech cannot be tolerated as it leads to loss of dignity and self-worth of the targeted group members, contributes to disharmony amongst groups, and erodes tolerance and open-mindedness.” The Minister also placed some data on increasing cases of hate speech  before the House emphasising the need for a new law.

The subsequent debate saw 23 members presenting their views. While the ruling party members made suggestions and welcomed the Bill, BJP members opposed it, with some demanding that it should be taken back. A few others demanded that it should be sent to the House committee for scrutiny.

The debate which started on a calm note with K.S. Naveen placing his objections, took on an aggressive pitch when C.T. Ravi made religious reference and took the name of Mahatma Gandhi and Basavanna in his argument to oppose the Bill. The tone angered the ruling party members, resulting in cacophony and adjournment for five minutes.

When the session resumed, several members joined Mr. Ravi in terming the Bill “draconian, and against the Constitution” and expressed apprehension about the State becoming “police raj.” On the other hand ruling party members defended the need for the Bill.

Trouble again started while Dr. Parameshwara was replying to the debate. At one point, Opposition members took exception to Minister Priyank Kharge’s comment on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and demanded that it be expunged from records. They also demanded Mr. Kharge’s apology and rushed to the Well raising slogans.

Amid the ruckus, the House passed the Bill, even as a few Opposition members tore copies of the Bill and threw it in the air.