Overview
- BJP members marched in Belagavi from Rani Channamma Circle to the Deputy Commissioner's office and submitted a memorandum urging the Governor to reject the bill.
- The Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 was cleared by both houses in Belagavi and is pending gubernatorial assent or possible reservation for Presidential consideration under Article 200.
- BJP leaders argue the legislation would chill free expression, empower officials to target opponents, and place ordinary citizens at risk due to vague definitions.
- The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti warned that provisions could shift the burden of proof to the accused and make speech-related offences cognisable and non-bailable, enabling immediate arrests.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the law as a neutral tool to curb provocative speech and maintain social harmony, saying it applies equally to all parties.