After Karnataka passes its hate speech law, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announces similar legislation. What could this mean for freedom of expression and social harmony in the state? The proposed bill aims to curb inflammatory remarks.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy plans a bill to curb hate speech
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced on Saturday that his government plans to introduce a bill to curb hate speech in the state. Speaking at Christmas celebrations organised by the Telangana government, CM Reddy said, “We will soon bring legislation in the Assembly on hate speech,” according to agency reports.
The move follows Karnataka’s recent passage of the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, which has sparked nationwide debate on freedom of expression and legal safeguards against inflammatory remarks.
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Earlier this week, the Congress-led government in Karnataka passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill. The Siddaramaiah-led cabinet cleared the legislation on December 4, and it was approved by the Assembly on December 18 amid strong opposition protests.
The law in Karnataka provides for penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh in fines and imprisonment of up to seven years. It aims to address rising instances of statements that threaten social harmony and could potentially trigger violence.
While the Bill was introduced to curb inflammatory remarks, it has faced criticism from the opposition. Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashok described the legislation as an attack on freedom of expression. He questioned the need for such a law 75 years after Independence and warned that it could be misused to target individuals.
Ashok also raised concerns that the Bill does not allow for bail in certain cases and could lead to imprisonment of journalists reporting on sensitive issues.
Introducing the Bill in Karnataka, Home Minister G Parameshwara highlighted the need for legal measures to counter hate speech. He pointed to increasing instances of remarks that could incite violence, citing past cases of murders, assaults, and growing social tensions linked to hate speech.
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Parameshwara emphasized that the unpredictable dangers posed by inflammatory statements made legal intervention essential to maintain public order and social harmony.
With CM Revanth Reddy’s announcement, Telangana is set to follow Karnataka’s path in legislating against hate speech. Officials said the proposed legislation will similarly aim to prevent statements that could disrupt communal harmony and threaten social peace.
The bill is expected to be tabled in the Telangana Assembly soon, setting the stage for a wider national discussion on balancing freedom of speech with measures to curb hate-driven rhetoric.
