The Telangana legislative assembly has referred the Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2026, to a select committee after members raised objections and suggested amendments.
The bill aims to curb hate speech and hate crimes in the state by imposing stringent punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
Opposition members expressed concerns over the possible misuse of the law, with the BJP floor leader warning that it could become a tool to curb dissent and suppress criticism of the government.
The bill currently defines hate speech as any expression made with an intention to cause injury, disharmony, or feelings of enmity or hatred against a person or group.
However, certain aspects of the bill, such as the provision making an entire political party liable for the actions of one individual, have been criticized by opposition members.
The government has decided not to press for immediate passage of the bill in its current form and has referred it to a select committee for detailed examination.
