Hyderabad, Dec. 18 -- The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday, December 18, passed the much-contested Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, the first such law in India.

The Bill was first cleared by the state Cabinet on December 4 and introduced in the House by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on December 10. It drew strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, with many tearing the document in protest. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka termed the Bill as "Hitlerian," and said it infringes the freedom of expression.

Before delving into the provisions and exemptions of the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, it is important to understand how it defines h...