Hindu outfit urges Karnataka governor to withhold assent to anti-hate speech bill

BENGALURU: (Dec 22) The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, a right-wing organisation, has urged Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to withhold assent to a bill aimed at curbing hate speech and hate crime, terming it "unconstitutional" and a "serious threat" to freedom of speech and religious liberty.

In a memorandum, the representatives of the organisation and other outfits opposed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, and warned that its provisions could be misused, like suppressing dissent.

It claimed that the bill is "vague, overbroad and unconstitutional, and poses a serious threat to freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, as well as to religious freedom."