US EditionTelangana Assembly Contemplates Hate Speech Bill Amidst Controversy
The Bill aims to impose strict penalties and empower officials to remove hate speech materials but faces opposition over concerns of misuse and vindictive actions.
- On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Congress government in Telangana introduced the Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2026, in the Legislative Assembly, proposing a maximum jail term of 10 years for related offences.
- Existing legal frameworks fail to comprehensively address the evolving nature of hate speech disseminated through digital and social media platforms, necessitating the government to introduce dedicated legislation to prevent societal disharmony.
- Under the proposed law, hate crimes are non-bailable and cognizable, punishable by one to seven years of imprisonment and a Rs 50,000 fine; repeat offences carry two to 10 years imprisonment and a Rs 1 lakh fine.
- Opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI, expressed concerns regarding potential misuse of the provisions, prompting the Legislative Assembly to refer the Bill to a select committee on Monday, March 30, 2026, for detailed examination.
- If enacted, Telangana would become the second state, following Karnataka, to implement such legislation, while the government also introduced the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers Act, 2026, on the same day.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Telangana Assembly Contemplates Hate Speech Bill Amidst Controversy
The Telangana Assembly discussed a controversial bill on hate speech, referring it to a select committee after criticism from multiple parties. The bill aims to curb hate speech and crimes, particularly on digital platforms. Critics argue it may infringe on civil rights and lacks clear definitions.
The Print
NewsDrumT''gana govt introduces ''Hate Speech'' Bill in Assembly
Hyderabad, Mar 29 (PTI) The Congress government in the state on Sunday introduced the “Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2026” in the Legislative Assembly, proposing a maximum jail term of 10 years to related offences. If passed, Telangana would become the second state after Karnataka to pass such a law in the […]
Hate Speech Bill introduced in Assembly, proposes up to 10 year jail term
Hyderabad: The Congress government in the state on Sunday, March 29, introduced the “Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2026” in the Legislative Assembly, proposing a maximum jail term of 10 years for related offences. If passed, Telangana would become the second state after Karnataka to pass such a law in the Legislature. Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu moved the motion to introduce the Bill on behalf of Chief …
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