Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, 2025 withheld by Governor

Key facts

• Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot withheld assent to The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, 2025 and reserved it for the President’s consideration.
• The Governor’s communication cited vague definition of hate speech, overlap with existing laws, and risk of misuse for political malice.
• The Bill reclassifies non-cognisable and bailable offences as cognisable and non-bailable for individuals and organisations.
• Lok Bhavan noted the Bill could grant authorities arbitrary power to prohibit speech or events likely to cause hatred.
• Governor observed the Bill was passed without meaningful consultation with civil society, media bodies, digital rights groups or constitutional experts.