Karnataka Tables Hate Speech Bill: Up to 10 Years Jail; BJP's S Prakash Calls It 'Vengeful'

In a significant legislative move, the Karnataka government has tabled a stringent Hate Speech Bill in the Belagavi assembly session, proposing severe penalties for offenders. Introduced by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, the bill mandates imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of ₹50,000 for a first offence, escalating to 10 years in jail and a ₹1 lakh fine for repeat offenders. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed the move, terming it a tool to suppress dissent. Speaking to India Today, BJP spokesperson S. Prakash stated, ‘It is a very dangerous bill... This will open a can of worms to seek vengeance against the opposition parties.’ While the Congress government maintains the bill fulfills their manifesto promise to curb communal instigation, critics argue the definition of hate speech remains subjective and prone to misuse by the ruling dispensation.