Emphasizing the state’s commitment to secularism, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on Saturday, December 20, 2025, that his government will soon introduce a dedicated bill to curb hate speech.
Speaking at the state-sponsored Christmas celebrations at LB Stadium, the Chief Minister stated that the legislation would be tabled during the upcoming Budget session of the Assembly.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
The proposed law aims to ensure that no individual or community is targeted based on their faith or identity.
The Inspiration: CM Reddy cited the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, which was passed just two days ago, as a model for Telangana’s upcoming law.
Minority Rights: “Development and welfare for minorities is not anyone’s mercy; it is their right,” Reddy said. “If your rights are hurt anywhere, our government is ready to correct it.”
Specific Assurances: Beyond the bill, the CM addressed local grievances, promising to allocate land for Christian and Muslim burial grounds away from residential areas and providing government-backed transportation for the deceased.
Context: The “Karnataka Model”
The Telangana announcement comes on the heels of intense political drama in neighboring Karnataka, where a similar bill was passed amid a walkout by the BJP and JD(S).
| Feature | Karnataka Bill (Passed Dec 18, 2025) |
| First Offense | 1 to 7 years imprisonment + ₹50,000 fine. |
| Repeat Offense | 2 to 7 years imprisonment + ₹1 lakh fine. |
| Legal Nature | Cognizable and Non-Bailable; triable by JMFC. |
| Digital Powers | State can direct ISPs to block or remove “hate crime material.” |
| Liability | Includes Organisational Liability; heads of institutions can be held responsible. |
Opposition Concerns: “Weaponizing the Law”
While the Telangana government frames the bill as a shield for minorities, the Opposition in both Karnataka and Telangana has raised “red flags” regarding its potential for misuse.
Censorship Fears: Critics, including Karnataka LoP R. Ashok, argue that terms like “prejudicial interest” and “ill-will” are too vague and could be used to silence journalists or political dissenters.
Executive Overreach: Civil society groups have expressed concern over the “preventive powers” given to police officers, which allow for arrests based on “credible information” that a speech might be made.
- Free Speech Debate: Legal experts warn the bill may face a constitutional challenge in the High Court for allegedly infringing upon Article 19(1)(a).
A “Miracle Month” for Telangana
During his address, CM Reddy described December as a “miracle month” for the state, linking the birth of Jesus Christ, the birthday of Sonia Gandhi (Dec 9), and the formation of the “People’s Government” in Telangana. He credited Sonia Gandhi for fulfilling the six-decade-old dream of statehood and urged the community to work with the “spirit of Christmas” to spread harmony.