Hate Speech Bill is unconstitutional, alleges BJP

Terming the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, as unconstitutional, leaders, workers and supporters of the BJP staged a dharna opposing the proposed legislation and criticised the Congress government for allegedly suppressing the fundamental rights of citizens, in the city on December 23.

The protestors accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of attempting to curb criticism through the Bill and said it was an effort to take away rights given in the Constitution. They alleged that the legislation was aimed at silencing voices speaking against the government. “It is trying to control the Opposition parties and other organisations. The protest was organised to spread awareness on the move,” a statement from the BJP Chamaraja unit read.

Stating that the Bill lacks a clear definition of what constitutes hate speech, the protestors claimed that criticism of government policies and the expression of facts would be branded as hate speech. Through this move, they alleged, the government was trying to ensure that people do not speak out against it.

The BJP leaders and workers further alleged that the proposed law undermines democratic principles and poses a threat to democracy. They claimed that the Bill contains provisions denying bail for certain offences, which they said could lead to the criminalisation of ordinary citizens.