Telangana hate speech Bill referred to Select Committee, Shabbir Ali calls it bold step


Hyderabad (Same Day): The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously decided to refer the Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2026 to a Select Committee for detailed examination, in a move aimed at strengthening legal measures against hate speech and related offences.

Welcoming the decision, Adviser to the State Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir described it as a “bold and decisive step” to curb hate speech and safeguard social harmony. He also congratulated Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for what he termed a progressive initiative.

The Bill, introduced by Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu on behalf of the Chief Minister, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to address hate speech and hate crimes. It proposes stringent penalties, including imprisonment ranging from one to seven years and a fine of ₹50,000 for first-time offences.

For repeat violations, the draft legislation prescribes enhanced punishment, with jail terms extending from two to ten years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. Notably, offences under the proposed law are classified as non-bailable, underlining the seriousness accorded to such acts.

According to the draft, existing legal provisions are insufficient to deal with the evolving and complex nature of hate speech, necessitating a focused law to prevent, regulate and penalise such offences while ensuring protection for victims.

Mr. Shabbir Ali said referring the Bill to a Select Committee would enable wider consultations and thorough scrutiny, ensuring that the final legislation is robust and constitutionally sound. He emphasised that while freedom of speech is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, it is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) in the interest of public order, morality and national integrity.

He noted that the increasing misuse of religion and identity-based narratives in public discourse has heightened the need for legal intervention. Unchecked hate speech, he observed, poses a serious threat to social cohesion and communal harmony.

Clarifying the intent of the proposed law, Mr. Shabbir Ali said it was not aimed at suppressing dissent or criticism, but at preventing deliberate attempts to incite hatred and disturb public peace. Concerns raised by opposition parties regarding potential misuse, he added, could be addressed through appropriate safeguards and legislative scrutiny.

He further expressed confidence that the Assembly and the Select Committee would deliver a balanced law that upholds constitutional values while reinforcing Telangana’s commitment to secularism, equality and fraternity.

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