Karnataka Hate Speech Bill Reserved for President Over 'Vagueness, Overbreadth' Concerns

• Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot reserved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, 2025, for Presidential consideration, citing constitutional and procedural concerns.
• Concerns include 'vagueness, overbreadth, and potential chilling effect on free speech' under Article 19(1)(a), and issues with proportionality and procedural safeguards.
• The Governor emphasized that while hate speech is harmful, restricting fundamental freedoms is not the solution, advocating for free speech, education, and awareness.
• Objections were raised regarding the broad definition of 'hate speech' in Section 2(1), which could criminalize ordinary speech, and the lack of consultation with civil society.
• A recent incident in Chikkamagaluru, where a police notice citing the unapproved Bill was issued to BJP leader Vikas Puttur, sparked political backlash and a departmental inquiry.

Why It Matters: Karnataka's Hate Speech Bill faces Presidential review due to Governor's concerns over free speech and vagueness.