In light of the exponential increase in harmful content, hate speech, and hate crimes in India, the Karnataka State Government has released the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025 (Hate Speech Bill). SFLC.in urges the Government of Karnataka, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to ensure that the public consultation process for the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025 will be inclusive, transparent and encourage participation from a diverse group of stakeholders.
SFLC.in urges the Government of Karnataka to reconsider various provisions of the Bill as per the prevailing constitutional law jurisprudence in India. It would be key for the Government to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders to conduct an exhaustive study on the impact of such a law.
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