The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved seven draft Bills for tabling in the winter session of the legislature beginning in Belagavi on December 8. Among the most significant is The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, aimed at curbing the dissemination, publication, and promotion of hate speech and hate crimes that foster disharmony or hatred against individuals, communities, or organisations.
Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill outlines strict penalties
Briefing the media, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil said the proposed legislation clearly distinguishes between hate speech and ideological expression. The Bill provides for imprisonment of one to seven years and a fine of ₹50,000, with subsequent offences attracting two to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
The offences will be cognisable, non-bailable, and triable by a Judicial Magistrate First Class.
The Bill exempts materials published for the public good — such as books, pamphlets, writings, or artistic works — where publication serves scientific, literary, artistic, educational, or heritage purposes.
If an offence is committed by an organisation or institution, both the entity and the individuals responsible for its operations will be deemed liable.
Social Boycott Prevention Bill seeks to end harassment by extra-judicial panchayats
The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, designed to prevent coercive social practices such as community-imposed boycotts, punishments, and harassment by caste or community panchayats.
Minister Patil noted that existing laws were inadequate to address such unconstitutional practices and that new legislation was necessary to safeguard citizens’ dignity.
Other Bills cleared by the Cabinet
Several additional Bills and amendments also received approval, including:
- Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, aimed at establishing slaughterhouses eligible for Central government grants.
- Bayaluseeme Area Development Board (Amendment) Bill
- Malnad Area Development Board (Amendment) Bill
- Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments (Amendment) Bill
- Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority (Amendment) Bill
- Karnataka Inland Water Transport Rules
CM reviews strategy to face Opposition in winter session
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting with his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday to outline a strategy for effectively responding to issues raised by the Opposition BJP and JD(S) during the Belagavi legislature session.
He emphasised unity within the government, highlighting his rapport with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, visible during their recent breakfast meetings. Ministers were advised to prepare thoroughly and address concerns raised by legislators with clarity and seriousness.
Government steps up maize procurement to support farmers
With farmers facing challenges due to fluctuating market conditions, the state government has initiated measures to stabilise procurement.
Minister H.K. Patil said that Karnataka has produced 55 lakh tonnes of maize across 17,500 lakh acres, and ethanol factories are required to procure 7.50 lakh tonnes. The MSP has been fixed at ₹2,400 per quintal, while the Centre mandates ₹2,639 per quintal. The state will provide an additional ₹239 to bridge the gap.
He noted that while some factories have already issued procurement indents, others have not, and they will be instructed to comply. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) will purchase 50,000 MT of maize, with registration already underway to expedite the process.