Hyderabad: Telangana government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Monday praised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s announcement to introduce a law aimed at curbing hate speech. He described the initiative as a necessary step to protect constitutional values and preserve communal harmony in the State.
A balance between rights and responsibility
Shabbir Ali, in a media statement, said the proposed law would strike a balance between free expression and public order. While Article 19(1)(a) guarantees free speech, he pointed out that Article 19(2) permits reasonable limits in the interest of public order, morality, and national integrity.
He warned that the misuse of religion and provocative language in public discourse had become a serious threat to social cohesion. A legal framework, he said, was necessary to deter targeted attacks on communities through speech that fuels unrest.
Protecting religious dignity through law
According to Shabbir Ali, Articles 25 to 28 of the Constitution protect religious freedom. Insulting religious beliefs, he added, undermines these rights. He further said the new law would also support Article 51A, which calls on citizens to promote harmony and mutual respect.
Telangana, he noted, has already taken administrative steps to counter hate-driven incidents. However, the new law would strengthen those efforts with a firm legal foundation.
Law rooted in precedent, tailored for Telangana
Referring to Revanth Reddy’s earlier comments, Shabbir Ali said the legislation would draw on models from other states like Karnataka. Still, the Telangana law would reflect the state’s unique social realities. The Chief Minister had also clarified that the law would not be used to silence dissent or criticism, but to prevent incitement and deliberate hate.
Addressing criticism from political opponents, Shabbir Ali argued that fears of misuse should be resolved through debate and safeguards—not by blocking regulation altogether.
Boosting public confidence in inclusive governance
He added that the legislation would reassure vulnerable communities, particularly religious minorities, that the State would act against hate-based speech. Building that trust, he said, was essential for sustaining democracy and inclusive governance.
Shabbir Ali concluded by expressing confidence in the Assembly’s ability to ensure the final version of the law is both precise and constitutional. Once enacted, he said, it would send a clear message: free speech cannot be used as a shield for spreading hatred.