No More Communal Comments In Telangana

After the Congress government in Karnataka, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said his government is planning to introduce a legislation against hate speech in the upcoming budget session. Karnataka is the maiden state in the country to pass the anti-hate speech legislation.

Revanth Reddy made this announcement while speaking at Christmas celebrations organized by the state in Hyderabad. He said that the Telangana government would ensure the liberty to an individual to follow one’s religion and equal rights for every religion, by bringing that legislation.

Under the provisions of the proposed law, Reddy said that strict action would be initiated against anyone making demeaning remarks against religions or communities. The bill will include jail term up to seven years and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh.

Recently, the Karnataka legislative Assembly cleared the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025, amid slogan-shouting and walkouts, by the Opposition. Under its provisions, perpetrators of hate crimes will face up to seven years jail and a fine of Rs 50,000. The Opposition parties termed the law as a ‘draconian tool’ aimed at stifling free speech and targeting political rivals. The Bill needs Governor’s assent.