BENGALURU, Feb. 3 -- Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Monday alleged that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has referred the proposed law to curb hate speech to President Droupadi Murmu to stall the Bill. The Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, cleared during the winter session of the legislature in Belagavi in December 2025, seeks to introduce strict criminal penalties for speech and actions deemed to promote hatred. It provides for a minimum prison term of seven years and fines of up to Rs.1 lakh. Parameshwara said the Governor had raised 28 points regarding the legislation and forwarded it to the President instead of approving it. He indicated that the state government may revisit the provisions if observations are returned. "If the President sends back to us with her observations, then we will do something and send it again," he said. "In my opinion, the Governor has intentionally referred it to the President, so that it does not come into effect. He wants it to be shelved forever," Parameshwara said. The Bill defines hate speech broadly as any expression made in public view, spoken, written, through signs, visible representations, electronic communication or other means, with the intent to cause injury, disharmony, enmity, hatred or ill-will against a person, group, class or community, living or dead, to serve a prejudicial interest. Parameshwara defended the measure as a deliberate response to incidents of hate speech, arguing that constitutional protections for speech do not permit unrestricted expression. According to an official familiar with the matter, the step was taken to avoid potential constitutional complications. The Governor's office have pointed to inconsistencies in the draft and what were described as "subjective and draconian executive powers", he said....