₹50,000 fine to 10-year jail: Telangana Assembly refers hate speech bill to select committee

Hyderabad: Telangana Legislative Assembly (LA) on Monday referred the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2026, to a Select Committee for detailed examination.

This follows concerns from members across party lines over certain provisions and the potential for misuse.

The motion to send the Bill for scrutiny was moved by Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who piloted the legislation, and was adopted by a voice vote, with R. Prakash Reddy presiding over the House.

Concerns over misuse prompt review

The decision came after legislators, including those from the ruling side and its allies, flagged apprehensions about the broad scope of some clauses and the possibility of the law being used for vindictive action against individuals or organizations.

The BJP and the CPI strongly objected to specific provisions, particularly the clause that provides immunity to officials, and demanded either withdrawal of the Bill or its referral to a Select Committee. Several Congress members also backed the demand for a closer review.

Stringent penalties proposed

The Bill proposes stringent punishment for hate-related offences, including imprisonment ranging from one to seven years and a fine of ₹50,000. Repeat offenders could face up to 10 years in jail.

It aims to curb the spread of hate speech, especially on social media, and prevent acts that incite disharmony or hatred against individuals, groups, or organisations.

Government defends need for law

Introducing the Bill earlier, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the legislation was necessary to address the growing incidence of hate speech and crimes that threaten social harmony.

He emphasized that the proposed law seeks to ensure deterrent punishment for offenders while also providing compensation to victims affected by such acts.

Opposition flags ‘draconian’ provisions

Despite the government’s defence, opposition parties and even some allies remained unconvinced.

BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao, whose party members were suspended from the House for the second consecutive day, criticised the Bill on social media, calling it “draconian” and “vague”.

He argued that while curbing hate speech is important, the Bill’s broad framework could enable selective targeting of opposition leaders, journalists, and citizens expressing dissent.

KTR also noted that existing laws already address hate speech and public disorder, and cautioned against creating a parallel legal framework without adequate safeguards.

Select Committee to examine clauses

With the Bill now referred to a Select Committee, its provisions will undergo detailed scrutiny before being brought back to the Assembly.

The committee is expected to review contentious clauses and recommend changes to ensure the legislation balances the need to curb hate speech with safeguards against misuse.