New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has expressed strong disapproval of the Karnataka government's proposed legislation that mandates a 10-year prison sentence for hate speech. He characterized it as indicative of the Congress's legacy of cruelty.

Addressing journalists in Delhi, Minister Joshi remarked that this legislation cultivates a climate of fear among citizens, signaling that its introduction is motivated by a desire for political control.

"The Congress-led state administration is essentially infringing upon the freedom of speech of all individuals. This bill exemplifies the cruel heritage of the Congress party and reflects the government's poor governance," he stated.

He denounced the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, questioning whether the imposition of a 10-year prison term for alleged hate speech is aimed at silencing dissent against the state's mismanagement and stifling public discourse.

Union Minister Joshi queried whether this legislation's true intent is to prevent hate speech or if it serves as a tactic to erode freedom of expression.

He further articulated that the Bill does not seem designed to foster social harmony; rather, it appears tailored to silence critics of the state government.

Expressing his indignation, he claimed that this Bill harbors the nefarious intent of deterring criticism and obscuring the misgovernance of the state administration.

The Congress government in Karnataka introduced the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025 in the Assembly on Wednesday.

State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil presented the Bill amidst significant opposition from BJP leaders.

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the introduction of the Hate Speech Regulation Bill is part of "our government's agenda" to "maintain peace and order in our state".

The Bill seeks to classify hate crime as an offense.

According to the Bill, any individual who harms, incites harm, or promotes hatred against another based on their actual or perceived religion, race, caste, community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, tribe, or family characteristics will be guilty of a hate crime.

This legislative initiative follows a series of revenge killings in Mangaluru that raised national alarm.

A specialized task force has been established to avert further violence, and dedicated teams are monitoring social media for activities potentially inciting unrest.

Under the Bill, individuals convicted of a hate crime could face up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.

This offense is categorized as non-cognisable and non-bailable, requiring trial by a First Class Magistrate.

For hate speech, the Bill outlines a similar penalty, including imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.

This offense is also non-cognisable and non-bailable.

For repeat offenses, the Bill proposes a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.