The Odisha State Law Commission has submitted a proposal to the government for the Odisha Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Act, 2026, which includes stringent penalties, including up to seven years in jail for repeat offenders.
The proposed law classifies hate speech offences as cognisable and non-bailable, allowing police to arrest suspects without a warrant and requiring courts to consider stricter conditions for bail.
According to the draft provisions, anyone found guilty of committing a hate crime would face imprisonment of not less than one year, extendable to five years, along with a fine of ₹10,000. For repeat offences, the minimum jail term would rise to two years, extendable to seven years, with fines reaching up to ₹50,000.
The proposed law also empowers courts to award compensation to victims based on the nature and gravity of harm caused by hate crimes.
The definition of hate speech includes spoken or written words, signs, visible representations, or electronic communications that incite hostility or hatred against individuals or groups.
The state government plans to enact the proposed law soon, with Law Minister Prithwiraj Harichandan stating that social media has become a platform where people behave indecently and that proper regulations are necessary to prevent this from becoming a serious problem.
