Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday announced that the state government will introduce a bill against hate speech.
The proposed legislation in the state comes after another Congress-ruled state, Karnataka, passed the country's maiden anti-hate speech legislation on Thursday.
"We will soon bring in legislation on hate speech in the Assembly. Telangana government would ensure the liberty to follow one's religion and equal rights for every religion, by bringing that legislation in the budget session (of Assembly)," the Telangana CM said while speaking at Christmas celebrations organised by the state government in Hyderabad, according to PTI news agency.
Also Read: K’taka House passes anti-hate speech bill
While speaking on the proposed legislation, the Telangana CM said he believes that the development and welfare provided to Christians, Muslims and any other minorities is “not anyone's mercy but their right”.
“We are here to protect your rights. If your rights are hurt anywhere, our government is ready to correct it,” he reportedly said.
He also flagged the problem of the shortage of burial grounds faced by the Christians and said the state government would take steps to allocate lands for graveyards for Christians and Muslims, though they may be a little far from villages or towns.
{{/usCountry}}He also flagged the problem of the shortage of burial grounds faced by the Christians and said the state government would take steps to allocate lands for graveyards for Christians and Muslims, though they may be a little far from villages or towns.
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The Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka brought the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, which was cleared by the cabinet on December 4 and passed in the house on December 18. The bill has a provision for a fine up to ₹1 lakh and a jail term up to seven years.