In a significant administrative error, a police inspector in Karnataka has been suspended for issuing a notice to a right-wing activist under a hate speech Bill that has not yet been enacted into law. The incident has sparked political controversy, with BJP legislator V Sunil Kumar raising the matter in the state legislature through a calling attention motion.
Inspector Suspended Over Legal Misinterpretation
Police sources confirmed that Inspector Ramachandra N, posted in the Tarikere region of Chikkamagaluru district, issued a notice to activist Vikas Puttur under the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025. The officer reportedly acted under the mistaken belief that the Bill had become law after being passed by the state legislature last year.
The inspector was placed under suspension on Friday following this procedural error. The notice was issued ahead of an event where Puttur was scheduled to speak, warning him not to violate the norms laid down by the pending legislation.
Bill Awaits Governor's Assent
The controversial Bill was passed during the Winter Session of the Karnataka legislature in December 2025 and sent to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on December 30, 2025. However, the Governor is yet to approve or reject the proposed legislation, meaning it has not officially become law.
BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar highlighted this discrepancy during legislative proceedings, stating: "The notice states that he must not violate the norms laid down by the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill. This Bill has not come into force, and they have given a notice in writing." Kumar demanded the officer's suspension during his intervention.
Political Context and BJP's Opposition
The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2025 was passed by the Congress-led state government amid strong resistance from the Opposition BJP. The legislation proposes to:
- Curb and prevent dissemination, publication or promotion of hate speech and crimes
- Address content that causes disharmony and hatred in society
- Provide punishment for such crimes
The Bill designates hate speech as a cognizable and non-bailable offence with punishments ranging from one year for first-time offences to two to seven years for repeat offences. The Congress government argues the legislation is necessary to regulate the rise in hate speeches, claiming existing laws lack strong punitive measures.
The BJP has consistently opposed the Bill, claiming it could be used to target their leaders by giving police excessive discretionary powers. The party has submitted a representation to the governor urging him to withhold assent.
Broader Pattern of Restrictions
In his legislative intervention, MLA Kumar raised broader concerns about restrictions imposed on right-wing activists and leaders across Karnataka. He alleged systematic targeting of individuals associated with Hindu organizations and efforts to prevent their participation in Hindu Samajotsava events throughout the state.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara provided a written response confirming that restrictions had been imposed on four right-wing activists against participating in events in different parts of the state. These include:
- Sharan Pumpwell of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), barred from participating in a Hindu Sangam programme in Holakere due to a "rowdy sheet" against him and previous violations of high court conditions
- Chakravarti Sulibele and Harika Manjunath, against whom notices were issued to organizers not to invite them for programs due to registered cases and potential for hate speech
- Sri Siddalingaiah Mahaswamy of Sri Karneshwar Math, restricted from participating in a Hindu Mahasabha Ganapati Utsav in Siruguppa town due to his history of provocative speeches and 19 registered cases
Legislative Passage and Ongoing Debate
The Bill was passed in the Karnataka Assembly amid BJP protests and subsequently cleared the Legislative Council after considerable debate. The legislation represents one of the most contentious policy initiatives of the current state government, touching on fundamental questions of free speech, public order, and religious harmony.
The suspension of the police inspector highlights the confusion surrounding the Bill's status and raises questions about police training and legal awareness regarding pending legislation. The incident also underscores the politically charged atmosphere surrounding hate speech regulation in Karnataka, where both the ruling party and opposition have strong positions on the issue.
As the Bill awaits the governor's decision, this case demonstrates how proposed legislation can influence law enforcement actions even before formal enactment. The controversy continues to reflect deeper political divisions regarding the balance between regulating harmful speech and protecting fundamental freedoms in India's diverse democracy.
