Curbing Hate Speech in India:
Karnataka has become the first Indian state to introduce a dedicated legislation to curb hate speech and hate crimes — the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025.The Bill aims to plug a legislative gap in Indian criminal law where “hate speech” remains undefined, despite its frequent invocation in political and social discourse.According to the 267th Law Commission Report (2017), hate speech means words or actions meant to stir hatred against groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Thus, it includes spoken or written words, signs, or visuals intended to create fear, provoke violence, or incite hatred.Article 19(1)(a) ensures free speech, while Article 19(2) permits reasonable limits to protect sovereignty, security, public order, morality, dignity, foreign relations, and to prevent defamation, contempt of court, or incitement of offences.
