NEWS – Karnataka Cabinet Clears Two Key Bills on Hate Speech and Social Boycott

KARNATAKA HATE SPEECH AND HATE CRIMES (PREVENTION) BILL

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, proposing stringent penalties to curb rising instances of inflammatory speech.

Key Provisions

• Punishment:
  • Up to 7 years’ imprisonment and ₹50,000 fine for hate speech or its circulation.
  • Minimum penalty: 1 year imprisonment + ₹50,000 fine.
• Repeat Offence:
  • 2–10 years’ imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.
• Nature of Offence:
  • All offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
• Wider Applicability:
  • Even organisations and institutions, registered or unregistered, can be held liable for hate speech or hate crimes.
• Objective:
  • To empower authorities to act against rabble-rousers, prevent communal disharmony, and curb targeted violence.

The Bill is expected to be tabled during the winter session of the Karnataka legislature starting December 8.

KARNATAKA PROTECTION OF PEOPLE FROM SOCIAL BOYCOTT (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) BILL

The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, aimed at eliminating unconstitutional practices enforced by caste or community panchayats.

Key Provisions

• Punishment:
  • Up to 3 years’ imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.
• 19 Forms of Social Boycott Identified:
  • Includes refusal to do business, blocking access to public facilities, denying participation in community events, and cutting social ties.
• Unlawful Assembly:
  • Any meeting held to discuss imposing a social boycott will itself be considered unlawful, punishable with a ₹1 lakh fine.
• Aiding/Abetting:
  • Attracts the same punishment—3 years’ jail + ₹1 lakh fine.
• Implementation Mechanism:
  • Appointment of a Social Boycott Prohibition Officer to detect and report violations.