BJP holds silent protest against Karnataka Hate Speech Bill

Bengaluru: The BJP on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Bengaluru urban DC, seeking revocation of the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, 2025, passed by the legislature recently.

The party held a 'silent protest' at the DC’s office. Jayanagar MLA and president of party’s Bengaluru district unit C K Ramamurthy said a party delegation comprising leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka and his counterpart in Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, state BJP chief B Y Vijayendra, would call on the Governor on Thursday, to urge him not to give assent to the bill. 

"There will be demonstrations across districts. If this bill isn't repealed, our protest will continue,” he said.

President of BJP’s Bengaluru north unit S Harish said the bill went against the spirit of the 'freedom of speech' and that 'Emergency has been brought back'. 

The bill prescribes a prison term of 1 to 7 years and a fine of Rs 50,000 for hate crimes. In case of repeat offence, the person could face jail time from 2 to 10 years, with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.