Karnataka Hate Speech Bill Stuck in Limbo as Governor Delays Approval
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Bengaluru: The proposed Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill remains pending with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, 21 days after it was sent to him. Despite this, Gehlot has approved seven other laws passed during the state legislature's winter session. The Bill, aimed at making Karnataka the first state in India to enact a standalone statute addressing hate speech and hate crimes, has been met with opposition from parties and free speech advocates who argue that its definitions are too broad and its takedown provisions could be misused. The proposed law defines hate speech as any expression with the intent to cause injury, disharmony, or feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill will against an individual, group, or community. Under the Bill, hate speech and hate crimes would be treated as cognizable and non-bailable offences, and liability would extend to organisations and institutions. The government is uncertain why the Governor has not acted on the Bill, but a Cabinet minister expressed hope that they will receive the Governor's assent soon. Other laws pending before the Governor include the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, amendments to the Karnataka State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and the Drugs and Cosmetics (Karnataka Amendment) Bill. The Governor has returned the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to the government for reconsideration, citing concerns over ecology, flooding, and water security. As per the Constitution, Governors have the power to assent to bills, return them to the legislature for reconsideration, or forward them to the President for approval. The Supreme Court has stated that no timeline can be prescribed for these actions.
