Karnataka govt considering law against hate speech, online betting: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, May 31 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that his government is "seriously considering" a law against hate speech.
He also said that discussions are on regarding enacting a law against online betting.
The CM said this at the end of a two-day review meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts and CEOs of all Zilla Panchayats here.
"I have said if anyone makes hate speech, action should be taken against them. We will bring a law against it. The government is seriously considering it," Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Merciless action should be taken against those making hate speeches irrespective of how influential they are. Criminal cases should be filed against them."
Reiterating that there is a direct relationship between law and order and development and that they should be ensured across the state, the CM said he has given strict instructions to the DCs and SPs to nip in the bud, the forces that disrupt the intentions and objectives of the Constitution.
This statement has come in the wake of recent communal murders that have taken place in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada.
Regarding online betting, Siddaramaiah said Law Minister H K Patil and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge are discussing the action that needs to be taken in this regard and if there is need for a legislation.
"Based on what they suggest after the discussion, necessary action will be taken," he said.
Youngsters are falling prey to the cricket betting, and activities such as gambling, matka should be strictly controlled in the districts, he further said, this menace should be curbed ruthlessly without giving in to any pressure.
Also, instructions have been given to take strict action against those violating the law that has been enacted, aimed at protecting borrowers from harassment by microfinance institutions (MFIs), he said.
Noting that about 700 child marriages took place in the state last year (2024-25), Siddaramaiah said he has instructed to ensure that child marriages don't happen at all at any cost.
"There are laws against child marriage. Preventing them is one part. It should also be ensured that they don't happen at any cost. Also child pregnancy cases should also be prevented," he said, adding that the officers at the grassroot level should be used to ensure that they are stopped in both urban and rural areas.
Officials have been asked to bring down the Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate in the state, he said.
The DCs, CEOs and SPs are the three most important posts in the districts and these officers should leave their ego and work as a bridge between the government and the people. "Only if there is coordination between these three, the development of the district is possible," he said.
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Karnataka govt to strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy, after HC directive
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has said that the government will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy across all sectors at the earliest, following the High Court directive.
The High Court of Karnataka had recently directed the state government to "strictly and faithfully" implement the menstrual leave policy, pending formal enactment of the proposed legislation.
"I welcome the directive issued by the Karnataka High Court in support of our state government's ambitious menstrual leave policy," Lad said.
The state government has taken firm steps to implement the menstrual leave policy comprehensively, and as a model to the country, he said in a post on 'X' on Thursday.
"In line with the court's opinion that menstrual leave is a matter of women's dignity, justice, and humane recognition of their lived realities, we will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy--equivalent to one day per month, or 12 days per year--across all sectors at the earliest," he added.
The court had said that in the interregnum, it shall be incumbent upon the state to ensure effective operationalisation of the policy through the issuance of suitable guidelines, circulars, and administrative instructions, as may be necessary to secure its uniform, consistent, and rigorous implementation across all sectors.
The court issued the directive while hearing on a petition filed by 41-year-old Chandravva Hanumant Gokavi, who works in a hotel in Mudalgi of Gokak taluk in Belagavi district, before the Dharwad bench, seeking implementation of the November 20, 2025, order of the government providing one-day menstrual leave for all working women.
