Bengaluru, Jan. 12 -- Senior advocate MC Nanjappa on Monday warned that the proposed hate speech Bill would have severe adverse consequences if enacted, recalling that a similar legislation introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had been strongly opposed by the public and eventually not implemented.
Speaking to the media after submitting a memorandum to the Governor on behalf of Citizens for Democracy, Nanjappa said the Bill, if turned into law, could cause widespread harassment of ordinary citizens. He cautioned that even routine domestic disputes or disagreements between neighbours could invite criminal action under its provisions.
Pointing out that existing laws already address issues related to offensive an...