Telangana hate speech bill sent to Select Committee, Shabbir Ali calls it bold step

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By HNH Web Desk
Telangana hate speech bill

Hyderabad: Advisor to the Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir welcomed the Assembly’s decision to refer the Telangana hate speech bill to a Select Committee, calling it a bold step to curb hate speech and protect social harmony.

He congratulated Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for backing the move. According to him, the decision reflected political will to address hate speech through legislation.

Further, he said Congress governments had acted firmly on such issues. He cited Karnataka as an example and added that Telangana had now taken a similar direction.

The Bill, introduced by Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu, proposed a legal framework to deal with hate speech and hate crimes. It prescribed jail terms from one year up to seven years, along with a fine of ₹50,000.

Telangana hate speech bill gains support from Shabbir Ali

For repeat offences, the draft proposed stricter punishment. Offenders could face two to ten years in jail and fines up to ₹1 lakh. Moreover, the proposal classified offences as non-bailable, highlighting the seriousness of the law.

According to the draft, existing provisions did not fully address the evolving nature of such offences. Therefore, the government proposed a focused law to prevent and regulate such acts while protecting victims.

Welcoming the referral, Shabbir Ali said the Select Committee would allow detailed scrutiny. In turn, this process would help shape a precise and constitutionally sound law.

He noted that freedom of speech remained a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a). However, Article 19(2) allowed reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order and national integrity.

He also observed that misuse of religion and identity-based narratives had increased in public discourse. Therefore, he said legal intervention had become necessary.

Shabbir Ali stated that unchecked hate speech threatened social cohesion and public peace. At the same time, he clarified that the proposed law did not aim to suppress dissent.

Instead, the objective focused on preventing deliberate attempts to spread hatred and incite hostility. He dismissed opposition concerns over misuse and said safeguards could address such fears.

He added that the law would build confidence among minorities and vulnerable sections. It would also strengthen trust in governance and democratic institutions.

Finally, he expressed confidence in the legislative process. He said the Assembly and the Select Committee would deliver a balanced law reflecting Telangana’s commitment to equality and secular values.

 

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