BJP Leader Issued Notice Under Karnataka Hate Speech Bill Even As The Law Awaits Governor's Nod

Last Updated:January 29, 2026, 11:59 IST

“What is the legal basis of this action,” questioned Leader of the Opposition R Ashok reiterating that the Bill has not yet become a law.

BJP leader Vikas Puttur was issued a notice under Karnataka Hate Speech bill. (Image: X/MPRBJP)

Even before the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, cleared the final step – the Governor’s assent – it found itself at the centre of a political storm inside the Karnataka assembly as a BJP leader was issued a notice under the yet to be cleared bill.

BJP leader Vikas Puttur was issued a police warning citing this proposed law which led to a confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition in the state Assembly. The Opposition BJP has accused the Congress government of high-handedness and misusing an unenforceable law to intimidate opposition leaders.

The notice warned the BJP leader that he could be booked under the Hate Speech Bill, which though passed by the Assembly during the winter session in December, is yet to receive the Governor’s approval.

Vikas Puttur, a BJP leader was scheduled to speak at a Hindu Samajotsava procession held on January 24 in Tarikere town. The notice was issued by the Chikkamagaluru district police ahead of the event.

According to the notice served on January 22, Puttur was instructed to ensure that his speech did not hurt the sentiments of any community or incite hatred or violence. The police also said the procession would be monitored to ensure public order and traffic management. The warning was given under provisions of the proposed Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, even before it was cleared by the Lok Bhavan.

The issue was taken up by BJP MLA from Karkala, Sunil Kumar, through a calling attention motion, in which he alleged that members of Hindu organisations were being selectively targeted using the police department.

“What is the legal basis of this action," questioned Leader of the Opposition R Ashok reiterating that the Bill has not yet become a law. “How can the Karnataka police issue notices under the Hate Speech Bill even before the Governor gives assent?"

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara conceded that the notice should not have been issued under the Hate Speech Bill since it has not yet come into force. He said he would seek a report on how the notice was issued. “Notices can be issued under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Since this has not yet become law, it is wrong to issue notices under this Bill. We need to see why the police did this," he said.

Sunil Kumar said the notice explicitly warned Puttur against violating a law that is not yet enforceable. Restrictions were placed on the movement of Hindu activists, notices were issued, and suo motu cases were filed to prevent them from attending Samajotsava events. He said leaders and activists such as Dr Prabhakar Bhat, Sharan Pumpwell, Chakravarthy Sulibele, Vikas Puttur and Puneet Kerehalli were being prevented from travelling to different districts.

“Were there any clashes or riots reported when these Samajotsava events were held earlier? No. What is happening now is the filing of cases as a pre-emptive measure to curb leaders," Kumar said.

Law Minister HK Patil took another stand on the floor of the assembly. He said governments across the years have taken preventive steps to avoid communal clashes and inflammatory speeches, describing the move as a routine process to maintain public order.

Patil stated that such matters are usually handled at the level of the superintendent of police or the deputy commissioner, and that the government does not interfere in such decisions.

The BJP also accused the Congress of targeting Hindu religious programmes, claiming that Ganesh Visarjan processions, Shobha Yatras and Hindu Samajotsavas were increasingly being subjected to restrictions under the present Congress regime.

What Is Karnataka Hate Speech Bill?

The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, passed by the Assembly in December, seeks to curb hate speech and hate crimes that disrupt social harmony. It proposes treating such offences as cognisable and non-bailable, allows the government to order the removal of online content, and prescribes stringent punishments.

The Bill defines hate speech as spoken, written, visual or online content that promotes hatred, enmity or harm on the grounds of religion, caste, race, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth or disability. A first offence can attract one to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000, while repeat offences carry a punishment of two to ten years in jail and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Though cleared by the legislature, the Bill is still awaiting the Governor’s assent and has not been notified in the state gazette, which is mandatory for it to come into force.

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