Belagavi, Dec 18: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, amid intense chaos and without a detailed debate by Opposition members, triggering strong protests from the BJP and JD(S).
Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader R. Ashoka objected strongly to the manner in which the Bill was taken up and dramatically tore a copy of the Bill on the floor of the House. Despite sustained sloganeering and protests by BJP and JD(S) MLAs, Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader put the Bill to vote and declared it passed.
Opposition members accused the Speaker of curtailing their right to speak. Ashoka said he had not been allowed to complete his speech and urged the Chair to reconsider the decision. “We are ready for a full discussion on the Bill. Denying the Opposition an opportunity to speak sets a dangerous precedent,” he said.
Senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar also criticised the passage of the Bill without discussion, stating that it violated established legislative traditions. He insisted that the Speaker should allow deliberations, especially on such a sensitive and far-reaching law.
Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal alleged that the Bill was aimed at targeting the Opposition and termed its passage a “black mark” on legislative history. Claiming it amounted to a “second Emergency” under the Congress-led government, he said the party would approach the Supreme Court.
JD(S) leaders echoed similar concerns. Floor leader C.B. Suresh Babu and senior MLA H.D. Revanna stressed that the Bill required detailed discussion and warned that such actions could fuel political hostility.
The situation worsened after Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh alleged that BJP leaders were responsible for communal unrest in Karnataka’s coastal region, prompting further protests. Though Speaker Khader ordered the remarks expunged, chaos continued, leading him to proceed with voting and adjourn the House.
Earlier, Home Minister G. Parameshwara explained that the government had reduced the maximum punishment under the Bill from 10 years to seven years after considering feedback. He said the law prescribes imprisonment of one to seven years and fines for hate crimes, with stricter penalties for repeat offences.
