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News Topical, Digital Desk : The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has called the Karnataka Hate Speech and Crimes Prevention Bill unconstitutional and urged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot not to approve it. The organization has described it as a serious threat to freedom of expression and religious freedom.
In a memorandum, representatives of the organisation and other Hindu organisations opposed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, saying its provisions could be misused to suppress dissenting voices.
What did the committee claim?
The Committee claimed that the Bill was vague, overbroad and unconstitutional and violated the freedom of expression and religious freedom guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation described definitions like 'hate speech', 'hate crime' and 'partisan-motivated interest' as too vague and broad, saying that through these any statement can be categorised as a crime even without intent or imminent violence, which opens the way for arbitrary and selective action.
Concerns raised about religious practices
Expressing concern over religious conduct, the committee said the Bill puts the burden on the accused to prove that his act was in 'public interest' or 'bona fide religious purpose', which is contrary to established criminal justice principles.
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