K’taka Assembly passes first anti-hate speech law; BJP calls it ‘Brahmastra’

Bill prescribes fine up to Rs 1 lakh and jail term up to 7 years

- NT Correspondent

The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday passed the country's maiden anti-hate speech legislation, which the BJP termed as a "Brahmastra” against the opposition and the media with an eye on "vote bank politics”.

The Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill was passed in the House amid din by the BJP MLAs, with the government referring to the Supreme Court observations against hateful remarks.

The bill has a provision for a fine up to Rs one lakh and a jail term up to seven years.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said the provision for 10 years jail term in the event of repeated offence has been reduced to seven years.

The bill, cleared by the cabinet on December 4 was presented in the House by Parameshwara on December 10.