Overview

• The misinformation bill proposes up to seven years in prison and a fine of Rs 10 lakh for knowingly or recklessly spreading false online content, with offences classified as cognisable and non-bailable.
• The hate speech bill criminalizes identity-based hostility with penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment or Rs 5,000 fine for individuals and extends liability to digital intermediaries that host or disseminate prohibited content.
• Enforcement mechanisms include a six-member social media regulatory authority and special courts empowered to issue takedown and correction directives and try offences swiftly.
• Draft provisions grant district magistrates preventive powers to ban gatherings or communications deemed likely to incite communal unrest under the hate speech law.
• The government plans to table both bills in the state cabinet this week despite calls from the Internet Freedom Foundation for public consultation and narrower civil measures.