BRS seeks withdrawal of Telangana hate speech Bill, flags risk of misuse

The BRS has urged the select committee to recommend withdrawal of the Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2026, citing concerns over vague provisions, media freedom and dissent. It proposed alternative safeguards and wider public consultations.

Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) urged the select committee on the Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2026, to recommend its withdrawal. Emphasising the need for firm action against hate speech and hate crimes, the party cautioned that vague provisions and sweeping powers could be misused against the media, political opposition and lawful dissent.

In its representation to the committee, the BRS said it condemned hate speech and hate crimes in every form and supported firm action against those inciting violence or targeting people based on identity. However, the answer to hate could not be a law that blurred the line between hatred and dissent, it asserted. The party argued that existing laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, already provided mechanisms to address hate speech. It said the problem lay in enforcement rather than the absence of legislation.

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The BRS objected to broadly worded terms like injury, disharmony, enmity and ill-will, stating that they could bring political criticism, investigative journalism, satire and criticism of public policy within the scope of criminal offences. It also questioned the absence of a clear requirement to establish a link between speech and likely violence or public disorder.

The party raised concerns over provisions making offences cognisable and non-bailable, with imprisonment of up to 10 years for repeat offences. It objected to treating a previous charge, rather than a final conviction, as the basis for identifying repeat offenders.

The BRS also flagged provisions allowing content removal without prior notice, a hearing or judicial review. The party feared that such powers could be used against news organisations, digital journalists, social media administrators and political functionaries. The BRS questioned the proposed liability of office-bearers for offences committed by organisations and provisions that could shift the burden of proof to the accused.

The representation argued that the Bill raised constitutional concerns involving Articles 14, 19 and 21, which protect equality, freedoms including speech, and personal liberty. It also questioned the proposed law’s overlap with existing Central legislation.

Instead of a separate law, the BRS proposed stricter enforcement of existing provisions, a State-level nodal officer and cyber cell, fast-track trials, witness protection, victim compensation and police training.

If the Bill proceeds, the party sought narrower definitions centred on incitement and a real likelihood of harm, explicit protection for fair reporting, political criticism, satire and academic discussion, and judicial oversight of content removal. It also proposed safeguards against malicious complaints and a review clause.

The BRS also urged the committee to extend consultations by at least 30 days, publish the Bill in Telugu and Urdu as well as English, and hold public hearings across Telangana. It sought submissions from journalists, legal experts, civil-liberties groups and affected communities, along with an opinion from the Advocate General on the Bill’s constitutionality.