Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Act 2026 Odisha

 


Odisha law panel recommends law against hate speech, hate crime; jail term of up to 7 years




new law to prevent hate speech and hate crimes


The Odisha State Law Commission has recommended the enactment of a new law to prevent hate speech and hate crimes, after taking suo motu cognisance of the need for such legislation. 


Justice Biswanath Rath



The commission, headed by retired Orissa High Court judge Justice Biswanath Rath, felt it was high time to bring such legislation in view of the rising cases of hate speech on social media and other public forums.


State Law Minister Prithwiraj Harichandan 




on Wednesday said the government would examine the Law Commission’s recommendations and enact the proposed legislation.


sub-committee of the commission for its examination



The matter was referred to a sub-committee of the commission for its examination and suggestion in January this year.


 After examining the sub-committee’s suggestion, the commission finalised the draft Bill and resolved to recommend that the State government bring in a new legislation on January 30, 2026.


 A draft titled ‘Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Act 2026’ 


Title was prepared and sent to the State government for recommendation. 


PUNISHMENT 



The commission recommended a punishment of 

  • 1  to 5 years in jail, with a fine of ₹10,000.


  • For repeating the offence - the draft proposed a jail term of 2 to 7 years, along with a fine of ₹50,000. 


FOR VICTIMS 

The commission mooted an award of compensation to victims.


While hate speech has been defined 



as any spoken, written, or electronic expression intended to 

  • cause injury,
  •  disharmony, 
  • enmity, 
  • hatred against individuals or groups. 


hate crimes are categorised 




as any communication or promotion of hate speech intended to incite disharmony or hatred.


Preventive action

As per the recommendation, the police or magistrates may take preventive action if they believe hate crimes are likely to occur.

They may invoke the relevant BNS provisions. If an organisation commits an offence, the persons in charge are deemed guilty unless they prove lack of knowledge, according to the proposed legislation.

Source the hindu

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