Overview
- A state law and parliamentary affairs ministry note dated January 8 says the bill sent on December 30 has neither been assented to nor returned.
- Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka says he and BJP leaders will meet the governor on Monday to press for withholding assent.
- Chief Minister M. Siddaramaiah says he will brief the governor to explain and defend the legislation.
- The bill would make hate speech a cognisable, non-bailable offence with one year in jail for a first conviction and two to seven years for repeat offences, along with fines.
- The measure passed the Assembly during a BJP protest and later cleared the Council after debate, with the BJP opposing it.