Karnataka Assembly Passes Controversial Hate Speech Bill 2025 Amidst BJP Uproar in Belagavi

In a contentious session at the Belagavi assembly, the Karnataka government passed the 'Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill 2025'. The new law, described by Deputy CM D.K. Shivkumar as a 'bulwark against communal venom', prescribes up to seven years in jail for repeat offenders and empowers the state to block online content. The BJP, represented by National Spokesperson Sanju Varma, vehemently opposed the bill, terming it a tool for 'censorship' and 'policing free speech'. The broadcast, hosted by Maria Shakeel, features a heated debate between Varma, Congress spokesperson Bhavya Narasimhamurthy, and political analyst Sandeep Shastri on whether the law protects society or stifles democracy. Additionally, the show covers the IMOTI 2026 awards, where the Maruti Suzuki Victoria was crowned Car of the Year.