Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to 17 out of 20 recent bills passed by the state legislature. However, a decision on two significant and potentially contentious pieces of legislation, including a new law aimed at regulating hate speech, remains pending as of January 8.
Pending Decisions on Key Social Legislation
According to an official note from the state's law and parliamentary affairs ministry, the governor has neither accepted nor rejected The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025. This bill, sent to the Raj Bhavan on December 30, was passed by the state assembly amid strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The proposed law seeks to curb the dissemination and promotion of content that causes social disharmony and hatred against individuals or groups. It defines hate speech as a cognisable and non-bailable offence. Punishments under the bill are stringent: up to one year of imprisonment for a first-time offence and between two to seven years for repeat offenders.
The ruling Congress government has defended the bill as a necessary tool to check the rise of hate speech, particularly on social media, arguing that existing laws lack provisions for strong punishment. The BJP, however, has opposed it, claiming the vaguely defined powers could be misused to target political opponents.
Similarly, The Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, also sent on December 30, awaits the governor's consideration. This legislation, which was passed unanimously by both houses, aims to prevent discrimination and social ostracisation, especially in cases like inter-caste marriages. Modelled on a similar law in Maharashtra, it proposes punishments of up to three years in prison and a fine of ₹1 lakh for offences including denial of services, business refusals, and obstruction of social or religious events.
Bills That Received Governor's Assent
Among the 17 bills that have now been enacted into law are several important amendments and new authorities. Key legislations that received the governor's approval include:
- The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025, which modernises land ownership rules for 'Jamma Banne' lands in Kodagu.
- The Chandraguthi Shree Renukamba Kshetra Development Authority Act, 2025, for the development of a temple in Shivamogga.
- The Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshetra Development Authority (Amendment) Act, 2025, for managing a temple in Chamarajanagar district.
Other enacted laws cover a wide range of sectors including university administration, road safety, Bengaluru's metropolitan transport, welfare of cine workers, regional development boards, rent control, and the regulation of private medical establishments.
Bill Reserved for President's Consideration
One bill, The Drugs and Cosmetics (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, has not been assented to by the governor but has been reserved for the consideration of the President of India. This is a standard procedure for bills that may intersect with central subjects or have wider implications.
The governor's office has not provided a specific timeline for a decision on the two pending bills. The developments highlight the ongoing legislative activity in Karnataka and set the stage for further political discourse around the balance between social regulation and fundamental freedoms.
