Odisha to Enact Prevention of Hate Speech and Hate Crime Act | 11 Apr 2026

Why in News? 

The Odisha State Law Commission has submitted proposals for the Odisha Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Act, 2026, recommending stringent penalties including extended jail terms for repeat offenders to curb rising incidents of hate speech and abusive conduct.   

Key Points 

• Objective: The law aims to address abusive and offensive speech that can incite hostility, discrimination, or disharmony against individuals or communities, particularly in the context of social media and public discourse. 
• Initiated by: The announcement was made by Prithviraj Harichandan, the Law Minister of Odisha.  
• Right to Acknowledgement: 
  • The Law Commission also recommended introducing a “Right to Acknowledgement” provision, which would require government officials to respond to public grievances within 15 days.  
  • Failure to do so could lead to adverse remarks in their Confidential Character Roll (CCR), enhancing accountability in governance. 
• Scope: The proposed act will address hate speech not only on social media but also in public spaces, holding individuals accountable for offensive language and harmful expressions. 
• Penalty Structure – First Offence: Under the proposed legislation, a person found guilty of committing a hate crime could face a minimum of one year imprisonment, extendable up to five years, along with a fine of ₹10,000. 
  • For repeat offenders, the commission has recommended that the minimum jail term be two years, extendable up to seven years, with fines potentially reaching ₹50,000. 
  • The proposed offences would be classified as cognisable and non‑bailable.  
• Preventive Powers: Executive magistrates or police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or above may be empowered to take preventive action if they believe that an individual or group is likely to commit hate-related offences.