Latest news with #KarnatakaLegislativeAssembly
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
If the draft fake news Bill is the cure for misinformation, Karnataka may have to ban irony next
Written by Meghna Bal The Karnataka legislature recently released the Karnataka Mis-information and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. Broadly, the Bill attempts to criminalise the spread of fake news and misinformation within Karnataka. The mechanism for enforcing this prohibition is a 'fake news on social media regulatory authority' comprising the Minister for Kannada and Culture, members of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and council, representatives of social media platforms, and an IAS officer. If any social media users are found guilty by this authority of spreading fake news, they could be imprisoned for up to seven years. The sweeping provisions of the Karnataka Bill have sparked concern about its potential chilling effect on free speech. The Bill defines 'misinformation' as any willful or reckless false or inaccurate expression of a statement of fact. The definition also excludes 'opinions, religious or philosophical sermons, satire, comedy or parody or any other form of artistic expression', provided a 'reasonable man' would not misconstrue it as a statement of fact. A reasonable man (or person) is a hypothetical individual whose behaviour and level of care in any given situation are judged according to commonly accepted standards of good judgement and societal norms. In the context of speech, the standard is typically used in cases regarding defamation or harassment, as a means of objectively understanding whether any given speech qualifies as an offending one. Yet, 'reasonableness' is an inherently vague and subjective standard, one that shifts with socio-cultural expectations. In the context of the Karnataka fake news Bill, the reasonableness standard will also possibly be informed by politics, given that half the members of the regulatory authority, including its head, are politicians. In effect, by hinging exemptions on whether a 'reasonable man' might misinterpret them as fact, the Bill leaves all expression vulnerable to being labelled fake news. It creates a potent risk for satire as people (even reasonable ones) are often fooled into believing it is true. In 2012, the satirical news website The Onion released a story stating that North Korea's Kim Jong Un was the 'Sexiest Man Alive' for that year. The story was taken seriously by China's People's Daily Online, the digital version of the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, which reprinted it in full as a legitimate event. The Onion went on to claim, in jest, that the People's Daily was their subsidiary. Under the Karnataka Bill, The Onion's story as well as its subsequent joke could be treated as an offense. Fortunately, the Karnataka fake news Bill is not even remotely constitutionally tenable. There is a wealth of constitutional precedent surrounding false information and what can and cannot be policed in its name. The courts are clear on the fact that restrictions on speech must be clear, narrowly tailored, and fall within the permissible bounds on speech, recognised under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. These include grounds like sovereignty, national security, diplomatic relations, public order, morality, decency, contempt of court, defamation, or the incitement of an offense. In Kaushal Kishor vs State of Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court held that these restrictions were comprehensive enough to account for any attack on an individual, groups, society, the judiciary, the state or the country. And it was not open to the state to add to these restrictions. Thus, speech cannot be restricted purely on the grounds that it is fake. In addition, any law seeking to restrict speech must be proportional. The test of proportionality ensures that there are sufficient guardrails in place to keep any restriction on a fundamental right from overstepping its bounds. Here again, the Karnataka Bill fails because it opens many forms of speech up to subjective attacks from the state. The Karnataka fake news Bill is an egregious document, not only for its constitutional failings but also the clumsy way it has been put together. Part of its Statement of Objects and Reasons, which is a part of a law that sets out the rationale for why the Bill is needed, was borrowed verbatim from the Prohibition of Fake News on Social Media Bill, 2022. Indeed, the borrowing was so faithful that even the title of the 2022 Bill was copy-pasted without correction. Adding insult to injury is the fact that it also attempts to open opinion up to scrutiny, which, at its very essence, is meant to be separate from statements of fact. The whole exercise makes a mockery of the pressing problem created by the spread of malicious falsities that are wrecking the fabric of human society, not only in India, but across the world. The problem of fake news is complex. No law offers a silver bullet, especially because any law targeting speech can be weaponised. It demands thoughtful consideration and a focus on evidence-based solutions that have been shown to protect the public from the harmful effects of deliberate misinformation. Most of all, however, it requires leaders to cast expedience aside in favour of principle. That said, if the Karnataka government believes that its fake news Bill is the cure for misinformation, it may have to ban irony next. The writer is the director of the Esya Centre, a tech policy focussed think tank based in New Delhi. Views are personal
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader seeks Point of Call status to Mangaluru International Airport
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has joined the list of political leaders seeking Point of Call (PoC) status to Mangaluru International Airport. This is amid Union Government informing the Lok Sabha in February 2025 that 'new non-metro airports, including Mangaluru, are not being granted Point of Call (PoC) status.' Earlier, Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta had sought PoC status to the airport. The PoC status enables international airlines to operate to and from an airport. Strategic location In his letter to Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu dated June 27, 2025, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, the Speaker said that he is seeking to consider Mangaluru for granting PoC status under the open skies arrangement, particularly for international carriers operating from ASEAN and SAARC countries. Mr. Khader said that Mangaluru holds strategic importance due to its geographic proximity and strong connectivity with countries in West Asia, Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand. Granting PoC status to Mangaluru will significantly enhance air connectivity, supporting economic growth, tourism and cultural exchange. 'A large diaspora from coastal Karnataka region resides across ASEAN and SAARC nations and frequently travels to Mangaluru for family reunions, business and cultural engagements. Enhanced connectivity through direct international flights will play a critical role in improving passenger convenience and boosting the local economy,' Mr. Khader, who is also MLA of Mangaluru, said. The letter added: 'Currently, many foreign carriers operate flights to multiple international airports in neighbouring states such as Kerala. Karnataka, despite its size and economic significance, has only one international airport — in Bengaluru — with PoC status. Therefore, we humbly request that Mangaluru be designated as the second PoC in Karnataka.' The Speaker said that the PoC status to Mangaluru will facilitate the export of perishable goods, which are in high demand in West Asia and beyond. Capt. Chowta met Mr. Naidu Earlier, Capt. Chowta who met Mr. Naidu in Delhi on December 19, 2024 had sought PoC to the airport. In a letter submitted to the Minister, Capt. Chowta said that Dakshina Kannada is a hub for industries such as marine exports, areca nut and cashew processing, and petrochemicals, all of which cater to international markets. Enhanced connectivity will streamline trade, reduce logistical costs, and attract global investments. Minister's reply to Lok Sabha However, in a written reply to an unstarred question by Capt. Chowta in the Lok Sabha on February 6, 2025, Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation said: '...At present, the Government of India promotes more international operations by Indian carriers from non-metro points (airports) either directly or through their own domestic operations. Accordingly, new non-metro points, including Mangaluru, are not being granted as PoC in the Air Services Agreement (ASA) to any foreign country.'
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Institutional corruption in housing schemes under Congress rule, alleges Leader of Opposition Ashok
The Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R. Ashok, launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, saying that it had institutionalised commission rates across various departments involving the housing sector. Speaking to reporters in Mandya, Mr. Ashok said the government reeks of corruption, and it has laid out the 'rate list for bribe'. 'For every house constructed, a 15% cut goes to the Minister's office, 3% for government approvals, 10% for engineers, 2.5% for issuing work orders, and 8% for NOC clearance,' he said. Mr. Ashok claimed that these figures were not speculative, and the housing scam was the biggest to rock the State so far. Citing figures, the BJP leader said that under the Basava Housing Scheme (Rural) 1,13,546 houses have been completed at a cost of ₹1,987 crore. Of this, Mr. Ashok alleged that ₹725.2 crore was siphoned off as commission. He alleged that under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Awas Yojana (Rural), 45,954 houses were constructed at an expenditure of ₹804 crore, of which the commission was ₹293.53 crore. Mr. Ashok said the cumulative commission for the housing scheme in urban and rural areas was in excess of $2,000 crore. Replying to a question, Mr. Ashok said the BJP will launch a State-wide agitation against it, interact with the beneficiaries in all the districts, and lay siege to the government offices.
Hans India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Govt proposes extending labourers' workday
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has put forward a contentious proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, aiming to increase the standard workday for employees from nine to ten hours, with overtime potentially extending to twelve hours daily. The draft amendment, currently under stakeholder review, has ignited a fierce debate between industry leaders and labour unions over its implications for workers' rights and economic productivity. The Labour Department convened a stakeholder meeting at Vikasa Soudha, chaired by Secretary Rohini Sindhuri, to gather input from factory owners, hoteliers, and union representatives. According to sources, the proposed changes would also raise the quarterly overtime cap from 50 hours to 144 hours and include provisions for Saturday and Sunday holidays. Industry stakeholders have largely endorsed the proposal, arguing it will boost productivity and streamline operations. However, labour unions have vehemently opposed the changes, labelling them as anti-worker and detrimental to employee well-being. Critics warn that extended hours could exacerbate mental and physical health issues, disrupt work-life balance, and potentially reduce job opportunities by encouraging a two-shift system over the current three-shift model. The amendment remains in the consultation phase and requires approval from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly to take effect. As discussions continue, the government faces the challenge of balancing economic ambitions with the need to protect workers' rights, with further stakeholder meetings planned to refine the proposal.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Speaker calls for unity and calm
Mangaluru: Amid growing concern over recent communal incidents in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader has issued a heartfelt appeal for unity, patience, and responsible conduct. He urged the public not to succumb to fear, anger, or hatred, and instead respond with the shared values of peace, dignity, and mutual respect. 'Some of the incidents that have taken place in Dakshina Kannada in recent days have deeply hurt all of us. The violence, hate speech, and rising tensions between communities are disturbing and unacceptable,' Khader said in a public statement issued on Tuesday. Calling the coastal district a model of social harmony, the Speaker reflected on the longstanding coexistence of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians in the region. 'This district has been built on the foundation of mutual trust and togetherness. Generations have studied in the same schools, worked in the same markets, and celebrated festivals together. Such harmony is the essence of Dakshina Kannada,' he noted. Khader stressed the sensitive nature of the present moment, warning that rumours and provocative content circulating on social media could inflame tensions further. 'This is not the time to react with anger or fear. It is a time to uphold our moral values, to act responsibly, and to respect every religion,' he said. He assured the public that any forces attempting to incite hatred or divide society—regardless of their political, social, or religious affiliations—would face strict legal action. However, he emphasised that beyond legal measures, what is needed most is collective patience, compassion, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. 'I am in constant touch with religious leaders of all faiths and representatives of different communities. We are working together through meaningful dialogue to restore peace and understanding,' Khader said. He acknowledged the pain and anger in the community, comparing it to 'boiling water that cannot reflect'—a metaphor for how disturbed minds cannot make clear decisions. He urged the public to pause, reflect critically, and act in ways that preserve social harmony. 'Let us not allow hatred to overpower humanity, or violence to define our future. I am with you. We are all in this together,' the Speaker concluded. 'Unity is our strength, tolerance is our value, and peace is our goal. Let us move forward with courage.'
