Hate speech bill sent to President Droupadi Murmu; ‘deliberate bid to dump it in cold storage,’ says Karnataka HM G Parameshwara

BENGALURU: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara Monday alleged governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot has referred Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill to President Droupadi Murmu, which he said was a deliberate bid to “dump it in cold storage”.

The bill, passed by both Houses during the winter session in Belagavi, was sent to Gehlot in Dec. Parameshwara told reporters that the governor has questioned 28 points in the bill. “If the President sends it back to us with her observations, then we will do something and send it again (for gubernatorial assent),” he said. He said the bill was brought consciously and defended it as a necessary safeguard. “We have freedom of speech, but that does not mean that one can say anything. We have to see how it impacts our society. Hence, the bill was introduced,” he said. He said there were instances of hate speech that made govt think of bringing a law.



Targeting BJP, Parameshwara said, “If you still say that this is not proper, then what are your motives? Should it mean that anyone can abuse anyone? Should we allow any disturbance in society?”

He alleged the governor did not want the bill to become a law. “In my opinion, the Governor has intentionally referred it to the President, so that it does not come into effect. He wants it to be shelved forever,” Parameshwara said. Asked about similar developments in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, he said, “Let’s see what happens in the coming days. I think things will improve.”

BJP state chief Vijayendra said the Congress govt brought the bill with the sole intention of suppressing the opposition and curbing democratic voices in the state. He criticised the way the legislation was cleared during the Belagavi session, alleging it was rushed through.

“This bill is dangerous to the democratic system. In Tarikere (Chikkamagaluru district), Vikas Puttur, a Hindu activist, had not even begun his speech; police officials went there and served him a notice, threatening to arrest him if he spoke,” Vijayendra said.

On the governor not giving assent, Vijayendra said, “The proposed legislation itself was flawed and aimed at silencing the opposition.”