Hate Speech Bill Passed in Karnataka. Provision for up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 rupees for the first offense. The law will declare the offense cognizable and non-bailable. The government claims this will increase peace and brotherhood in society.
Karnataka: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Hate Speech Bill on Thursday. This law provides for imprisonment of up to 7 years and a fine of 50,000 rupees for the first time in cases of hate speech. The bill aims to maintain peace and harmony in society. Under this law, hate speech has been made a cognizable and non-bailable offense.
Bill Introduction
The bill was approved by the Karnataka Cabinet on December 4th and was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on December 10th by Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The bill initially proposed a maximum punishment of 10 years for a first offense, which has now been reduced to 7 years. After the bill's passage, the government stated that this law is extremely necessary to maintain peace in society.
Definition of Hate Speech
The Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has provided a detailed definition of hate speech in this bill. According to the bill, hate speech is any expression intended to promote enmity, hatred, or ill-will against any person, group, or community. Such statements can be disseminated publicly through spoken words, writing, gestures, visual media, or electronic communication. Under the law, hate speech is considered a cognizable and non-bailable offense, and cases will be heard in the JMFC (Judicial Magistrate First Class) court.
Provision for Punishment and Fine
According to Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a first-time hate crime offender will be subject to imprisonment of 1 to 7 years and a fine of 50,000 rupees. If an individual repeats the offense two or three times, the punishment will be increased to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of 1 lakh rupees. Furthermore, if any organization or institution is found involved in the offense, the person holding a responsible position will be considered guilty and action will be taken against them.
Exemptions in the Law
The bill includes certain specific exemptions. Publications related to science, literature, art, education, and heritage, if they are in the public interest, have been excluded from the scope of the law. Additionally, actions taken in good faith by government employees and religious or heritage-related content will also not fall within the purview of this law.
BJP Opposition and Tension in the Assembly
During the discussion on the bill, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh stated that the situation in coastal Karnataka is deteriorating due to hate speech and hate crimes. Following this, BJP MLAs from the coastal region stood up in protest, and were supported by other MLAs. However, the Speaker ignored the demand for voting and proceeded with the bill.
Government's Stance
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar supported the bill, stating that maintaining peace, law and order, and harmony in the state is the government's priority. He stated that this law will help maintain unity and brotherhood in society and is necessary to prevent any kind of violence or hatred.
