Hate Speech Bill cleared in Karnataka
OB Bureau
The state Assembly turned into a political battleground midweek as the controversial Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025 was passed amid chaos.
Tempers flared the moment the Bill was taken up. Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader R. Ashoka, objecting sharply to the manner in which proceedings were handled, tore a copy of the Bill on the floor of the House, accusing the government of bulldozing legislation and silencing dissent.
As BJP and JD(S) MLAs raised slogans and crowded the well of the House, Speaker U.T. Khader put the Bill to vote and announced its passage, triggering louder protests. Opposition members accused the Speaker of acting improperly and setting what they called a dangerous precedent.
“I have not completed my speech on the Hate Speech Regulation Bill. Curtailing the rights of Opposition members is not a good tradition,” Ashoka said, urging the Speaker to allow discussion. “We are prepared to speak on the Bill.”
Senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar said the legislation was passed amid chaos without giving members an opportunity to debate, adding that in past instances, heated situations were resolved through meetings before discussions resumed.
Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal went further, calling the move a “black mark in history” and alleging the Bill was aimed at targeting the Opposition. “We will approach the Supreme Court. This is a second Emergency imposed by the Congress-led government,” he claimed.
JD(S) leaders also joined the protest. Floor leader C.B. Suresh Babu and senior MLA H.D. Revanna said discussion on such an important Bill was essential. “I am a six-time MLA and I am being tortured. This leads to hate politics,” Revanna said.
The chaos intensified after Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh alleged that BJP leaders had created communal strife in Karnataka’s coastal region. BJP members strongly condemned the remarks, rushing to the well as sloganeering continued. Though Speaker Khader ordered the comments expunged and asked Ashoka to continue, the din did not subside.
With the House in uproar, the Speaker proceeded with voting, declared the Bill passed and adjourned the Assembly.
Earlier, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, piloting the Bill, said the government had reduced the maximum punishment for hate crimes from 10 years to seven years after considering various opinions.
Under the law, hate crimes will attract imprisonment of one to seven years and a fine of Rs 50,000, while repeat offences will carry two to seven years in jail and a Rs 1 lakh fine.
HL: 3.30 am: Between hospitals & hope
Strap: Denied timely treatment, a young mechanic’s final journey unfolded between closed doors and empty streets
OB Bureau
A 34-year-old mechanic, Venkataramanan, died after falling off a scooter while being rushed to a referral hospital, his family alleging that a private medical facility which diagnosed him with a heart attack failed to provide even basic first aid before referring him onward.
The incident, which occurred last Saturday, has resurfaced in public memory after a CCTV clip went viral this week. The footage shows his wife, Roopa, injured and distraught, pleading with passersby for help as her husband lay motionless on the road.
According to the family, Venkataramanan complained of severe chest pain around 3.30 am at their home in Balaji Nagar. With no ambulance at hand, Roopa put him on their scooter and rushed to a nearby private hospital. Treatment was allegedly denied there, with staff citing the non-availability of a doctor.
She then took him to another hospital, where an ECG was conducted. The test indicated that he had suffered a heart attack, the family said. However, instead of initiating treatment, the hospital immediately referred him to the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. The family alleged that no basic stabilising care was provided before the referral.
As the couple made their way to Jayadeva hospital on the scooter, Venkataramanan reportedly suffered chest pain again. Moments later, the two-wheeler skidded, throwing both of them onto the road.
The CCTV footage captures the aftermath – Roopa, bleeding and shaken, trying desperately to flag down help in the dark, empty stretch. Vehicles pass by. No one stops. It is only when a cab driver slows down and intervenes that assistance finally arrives.
With his help, Roopa managed to reach Jayadeva hospital. Doctors there declared Venkataramanan brought dead, the family said. What followed was a final act of generosity amid loss. The family later donated his eyes.
As the video continues to circulate, the images have struck a nerve in the city. The helplessness etched on one woman’s face, and the uncomfortable spotlight it casts on emergency response and night-time medical care, redraw the thin line between survival and silence on Bangalore roads.
HL: After hiatus, IPL opener likely in Bangalore
OB Bureau
The city is in the running to host the opening match of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) formally requesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stage the marquee opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The move follows a clear political green signal. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on December 12 that cricket matches would be allowed to resume at the stadium, months after a deadly stampede led to a blanket suspension.
“We’ve allowed cricket matches to be held at the stadium, taking necessary precautions to ensure safety and maintain Bangalore’s reputation,” Shivakumar said.
KSCA President and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad confirmed that discussions with the BCCI were already underway. Prasad said the proposal to host the IPL opener in Bangalore was being actively considered.
Traditionally, the IPL opening match is held at the home ground of the previous season’s champions. However, Prasad said confusion had crept in earlier due to issues that arose during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory celebrations.
Following the KSCA elections, the association held fresh discussions with the state government to ensure smooth conduct of matches.
“The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister have already given a green signal. I have also spoken to the Home Minister. The date for the IPL opening match will be finalised soon,” Prasad said.
He added that Bangalore would continue to host IPL games, international fixtures and matches across all formats. Star cricketer Virat Kohli is also expected to visit the city for Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
The return of cricket to Chinnaswamy carries heavy context. The stadium has not hosted a match since a stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations in June this year left 11 people dead. Security concerns also cost the venue a Women’s World Cup match.