Samajwadi Party (SP) Maharashtra Legislative Assembly leader Abu Asim Azmi on Tuesday submitted a private member Bill titled The Prevention of Hatred and Insult to Religion Act, 2025, to the Principal Secretary of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
The proposed legislation, which the SP is pushing to be tabled in the upcoming monsoon session, aims to combat rising instances of religious hate speech and insults to religious sentiments, particularly on social media and other platforms.
“This Bill is to protect the sanctity of every religion, the dignity of every scripture, religious great men, places, and the respect of every faith,” Azmi stated in a social media post, underscoring the party’s intent to uphold communal harmony across Maharashtra.
This comes amid a surge in violence and hate speech against Muslims in the state.
Key features of the proposed Bill
Strict Penalties: The draft law proposes stringent punishments ranging from 7 years to life imprisonment, and fines up to ₹2 lakh for individuals found guilty of spreading hatred or insulting any religion, its scriptures, places of worship, or revered figures.
Digital Accountability: The bill also seeks to address the misuse of digital platforms and social media in spreading religious hatred and enmity.
Constitutional Alignment: Azmi emphasized that the bill reinforces the Indian Constitution’s spirit of secularism and the right to equal respect for all religions.
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