KT Rama Rao Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
HYDERABAD
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) termed the Telangana Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill introduced in the Assembly as a draconian tool to curtail freedom of speech and harass political opponents.
Party Working President KT Rama Rao said in a statement on Monday that the bill raises serious concerns about constitutional, democratic and civil rights and if it becomes law, it will be a clear violation of Article 19(1)(c). a) of the constitution.
He condemned the bill, saying that “preventing genuine hate speech and maintaining social peace is an important responsibility of any government, the current framework seems dangerously broad, vague and open to abuse”.
Instead of protecting public order, the bill risks becoming a tool for selectively targeting opposition leaders, critics, journalists and ordinary citizens expressing dissent, he noted. “The draft defines hate speech using sweeping terms such as ‘fostering ill will’, ‘disturbing harmony’ and ‘spreading false information’,” he added.
Such phrases were subjective and lacked clear legal boundaries, Mr. Rama Rao said, adding that without precise definitions, enforcement would become dependent on interpretation rather than evidence. It would create a serious risk of criticism of government decisions labeled as “disharmony” or “fake news”, thus criminalizing democratic expression.
He emphasized that the bill contradicts Supreme Court rulings that only speech directly inciting violence or public unrest can be restricted and that mere criticism, advocacy, satire or dissent cannot be punished.
One of the most worrying aspects of the proposed framework was the ability for executives to decide what constitutes “fake news”. Allowing the government to determine the truth about matters that concern it would undermine democratic accountability. He called on the government to reconsider the bill.
Published – 30 March 2026 21:19 IST
