KARNATAKA MIS-INFORMATION & FAKE NEWS (PROHIBITION) BILL, 2025

Current Context: Karnataka introduced Mis-Information & fake news (prohibition) bill, proposing up to 7 years’ imprisonment and fines of ₹10 lakh for spreading fake news.

The proposal includes new regulatory bodies and special courts, and has sparked debate over its vagueness and potential impact on free speech.

About Bill

Definition of Offences:

• Fake news: Fabricated content, distorted media, misquoted facts—penalty up to 7 years jail + ₹10 lakh fine.
• Misinformation: Reckless false statements—punishable by 2–5 years imprisonment.
• Other offences include abetment (2-year jail), content disrespecting Sanatan or superstition.

AUTHORITY & ENFORCEMENT

• Regulatory Authority: Six-member body chaired by Minister for Kannada & Culture; includes MLAs, bureaucrats, platform reps.
• Special Courts: To enforce corrections, disable content, and prosecute offenders—FIRs are cognisable, non-bailable .