Additionally, the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill is currently under examination by the governor, according to a statement released by the Special Secretary to the Governor, R Prabhu Shankar.
The press release noted, “Out of 22 Bills, 19 have been accepted by the governor and forwarded for publication in the Official Gazette. The two Bills returned to the government for further clarifications are the Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-classification) Bill and the Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill.” The SC Sub-classification Bill aims to legally establish the state’s internal quota system for Scheduled Castes (SCs), allocating the 17 percent SC reservation into six percent for left communities (historically untouchables), six percent for right communities, and five percent for others.
The primary goal of the amendment bill regarding Chamundeshwari Kshetra is to alter the administrative framework of the temple development authorities by revising the criteria for important appointments.
Recently, the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill was passed by the Karnataka Legislature amidst opposition protests from the BJP.
This bill imposes a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh and a prison term of up to seven years.
As per the bill, any expression made, published, or circulated—in any form, whether spoken or written, through signs, visible representations, electronic means, or otherwise—in public view, with the intent to cause harm, discord, or feelings of animosity, hatred, or ill will against a person (living or deceased), class, group of persons, or community, to serve any prejudicial interest, is classified as hate speech.
Discrimination based on religion, race, caste, community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, or tribe is also categorized as hate speech.
The BJP has labeled it a ‘Brahmastra’ (ultimate deadly weapon) against the opposition.
First Published: Jan 9, 2026 8:43 PM IST
