Belagavi, Dec 18 (NationPress) In a vehement response to the contentious Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, introduced by the Congress-led administration in the state, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka asserted on Thursday that the enactment of such legislation is tantamount to an assault on freedom of expression.

During the legislative session, Ashoka voiced concerns regarding the extensive powers granted to the government under this new Bill to suppress any content at any given moment. “All legal principles have been disregarded. This offence is non-bailable, and individuals will face immediate imprisonment,” he remarked.

“What can we expect from those who previously imposed an Emergency in this country?” Ashoka inquired.

“In my view, even after 75 years of Independence, no legal authority has ever contemplated the need for such a law. I question the rationale behind Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s ill-conceived—rather, well-conceived—initiative,” he commented with sarcasm.

“We believed Parameshwara was a compassionate individual. This initiative is disheartening. The proposed Bill threatens to turn police officers into authoritarian figures. They will become tyrants, without a doubt. Terms like ‘mental torture’ are employed, yet no one can define what constitutes mental torture. 'Feelings of hatred' is another ambiguous phrase. The Bill is riddled with such vague terminology,” Ashoka emphasized.

He stated that the Bill is a blatant violation of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which enshrines the right to free speech and expression. “It even encompasses drawings. No one will be able to create cartoons anymore. Newspapers that have published cartoons for 75 years will be silenced,” he explained.

“They have also included news articles. If the media report on corruption, they must secure bail in advance; otherwise, arrests will follow. If one individual makes a statement, the entire organization could be prosecuted. If a son commits murder, can his parents be imprisoned? What kind of legislation is this?” Ashoka questioned.

He scrutinized the intent behind the Bill, asserting that by bestowing such powers upon the police, the government was endorsing arbitrary actions. “Corruption is already prevalent, and now you are bestowing them with further authority,” he protested.

Referring to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act introduced by the Centre, Ashoka pointed out that there are already measures in place to address such issues, complete with prescribed penalties.

“The BNS Act stipulates up to five years of imprisonment along with fines for inciting violence at religious sites or gatherings,” he noted.

“In my assessment, this Bill serves as a tool for political retribution. The Congress at the Centre is voicing its grievances, claiming its liberties are under threat. What actions are you taking here? You are implementing laws reminiscent of the Emergency period. From this point forward, media professionals should brace themselves for potential incarceration, and we stand with you,” he stated.

“Ultimately, this is about vote-bank politics. To appease specific factions, individuals will face imprisonment. Under this law, a person could be punished even if later found innocent,” he added.

Ashoka further accused the government of providing inaccurate translations, employing words that do not even exist in Kannada. “This will strip you of all dignity and respect,” he asserted.

He highlighted that Sections 196, 299, and 353 of the BNS Act already address hate speech.

“By introducing a new law, they are targeting both the media and the Opposition. This is unacceptable. This law will ultimately become a weapon for future ruling governments,” he cautioned.

Ashoka also criticized the Home Minister for failing to fill even 50% of vacant positions within the police force. “Wherever protests or dramas occur, police have to be deployed. This law is solely focused on targeting individuals, and it will backfire on you,” he warned.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the Bill in the Legislative Assembly after its passage, asserting that he believes this legislation will enact significant societal changes.

After facing backlash, the punishment for hate crimes in the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, has been reduced from 10 years to seven years for repeat offences.