Latest news with #KarnatakaHateSpeechandHateCrimes(PreventionandControl)Bill
India Today
6 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Karnataka hate speech Bill targets digital platforms, proposes 3-year jail term
The Karnataka government has proposed a new law to criminalise hate speech and identity-based violence, expanding its scope to include digital platforms and providing preventive powers to district authorities. The draft legislation, titled the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, outlines penalties of up to three years in prison and Rs 5,000 in fines for individuals convicted of offences defined under the proposed Bill classifies hate speech and hate crimes as non-bailable and non-cognisable offences. Hate crime is defined as any act that causes harm, incites violence, or spreads hatred based on identity markers such as religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, tribe, language, or disability. Hate speech, meanwhile, includes any form of communication—verbal, written, visual, or digital—that is intended to promote hostility or incite harm. This includes content shared in both public and private spaces, with the mere act of making such material accessible to others being liable for a key provision, the Bill holds digital intermediaries such as social media companies, search engines, telecom operators, online marketplaces, and internet service providers accountable for content they host or disseminate. These platforms could face penalties if they knowingly or unknowingly enable hate content, including imprisonment of up to three years and financial The legislation also targets enablers of hate speech and hate crimes. Individuals who provide financial support, offer platforms, or otherwise assist in the commission of such offences may face the same penalties as the primary magistrates will be empowered to issue preventive orders in areas where a risk of communal disturbance exists. These orders may prohibit gatherings, processions, use of loudspeakers, or any act likely to incite fear. Such restrictions can initially be imposed for up to 30 days, with a possible extension of up to 60 days based on draft introduces the concept of a 'victim impact statement' which allows victims or their representatives to submit a sworn statement describing the psychological, physical, social, or financial damage endured. Courts will be required to consider these statements while determining Bill makes certain exemptions for protected forms of speech, including genuine artistic expression, academic research, scientific analysis, factual journalistic reporting, and religious discourse, provided such content does not incite violence or effective implementation, the Bill calls for awareness campaigns, training programmes for government officials, and public education efforts. These responsibilities may be assigned to state commissions, such as the Human Rights Commission or the Commission for officials acting in good faith under the Bill will be protected from legal action. The state government will also be empowered to frame rules and regulations for enforcing the legislation, with oversight by the state legislature. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Hans India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Karnataka Introduces Stringent Anti-Hate Speech Legislation Targeting Digital Platforms
The Karnataka government has unveiled comprehensive draft legislation aimed at combating hate speech and identity-based violence, with particular focus on digital platforms and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, establishes severe penalties including up to three years imprisonment and Rs 5,000 in monetary fines for individuals found guilty of violations under the proposed law. According to sources, under the draft framework, hate speech and hate crimes will be classified as non-bailable and non-cognisable offenses, significantly strengthening the legal response to such incidents. The legislation defines hate crimes as any actions causing harm, inciting violence, or promoting hatred based on various identity characteristics including religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, tribal affiliation, language, or disability status. The bill's definition of hate speech encompasses all forms of communication whether verbal, written, visual, or digital that intentionally promotes hostility or encourages harmful actions against individuals or groups. Notably, the law extends to content shared in both public and private forums, making even the act of providing access to such material subject to legal prosecution. A groundbreaking aspect of the proposed legislation involves holding digital intermediaries directly accountable for content hosted on their platforms. Social media companies, search engines, telecommunications operators, online marketplaces, and internet service providers could face identical penalties including imprisonment and financial sanctions if they knowingly or unknowingly facilitate the spread of hate content. This represents a significant expansion of platform responsibility beyond current regulatory frameworks. The bill also targets individuals who enable hate speech and hate crimes through various forms of support. Those providing financial backing, offering platforms, or otherwise assisting in the commission of such offenses may receive the same penalties as the primary perpetrators, creating a comprehensive network of accountability. District magistrates will receive substantial preventive powers under the proposed law, allowing them to issue orders in regions where communal disturbances appear likely. These authorities can prohibit public gatherings, processions, loudspeaker usage, or any activities deemed capable of inciting fear or violence. Initial restrictions may last up to 30 days with possible extensions reaching 60 days based on assessed necessity. The legislation introduces victim impact statements as a formal legal mechanism, enabling affected individuals or their representatives to submit sworn testimonies detailing psychological, physical, social, or financial damages experienced. Courts will be mandated to consider these statements when determining appropriate sentencing for convicted offenders. While establishing strict penalties, the bill includes specific exemptions for protected speech categories. Genuine artistic expression, academic research, scientific analysis, factual journalistic reporting, and religious discourse remain protected provided such content does not actively incite violence or promote hatred against targeted groups. Implementation of the legislation will require comprehensive awareness campaigns, specialized training programs for government officials, and extensive public education initiatives. These responsibilities may be delegated to existing state commissions including the Human Rights Commission or the Commission for Women, ensuring institutional support for the law's objectives. The draft provides legal protection for government officials acting in good faith while implementing the bill's provisions, safeguarding them from retaliatory legal action. Additionally, the state government will possess authority to develop detailed rules and regulations for enforcement, subject to oversight by the state legislature to ensure democratic accountability in the law's application. This legislative initiative represents Karnataka's ambitious attempt to address growing concerns about hate speech proliferation, particularly in digital spaces, while balancing free expression rights with community safety and social harmony objectives.
