Belagavi: The Congress government introduced a Bill to fight hate speech amid protests by the Opposition BJP in the Assembly on Wednesday.

The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, was piloted by Home Minister G Parameshwara.

When Speaker UT Khader sought ‘ayes’ for the tabling of the Bill, BJP members shouted with ‘nays’. However, nobody from the BJP pressed for a division of votes, and Khader allowed the tabling of the Bill.

This signalled the BJP’s intent to oppose the Bill, or demand that it be given to a select committee.

As per the Bill, making ‘hate speech’ or circulating it will amount to committing a ‘hate crime’, which will attract a minimum jail term of one year, extendable up to seven, with a fine of Rs 50,000. Subsequent or repeat offences will att

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