New Delhi— In a significant move aimed at regulating online content, President Droupadi Murmu has approved a Private Member Bill on curbing digital hate speech for consideration in Parliament.
The ‘Online Hate Speech (Prevention) Bill, 2024’ was introduced by Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney and had been pending approval since February 2025. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat informed the member that the President has now granted the necessary consent for the Bill to be taken up.
Under constitutional provisions, Private Member Bills require Presidential approval before they can be formally considered in Parliament. With this clearance, the proposed legislation moves a step closer to debate and possible enactment.
Expressing gratitude, Sahney said he hopes the Bill will help build a society with zero tolerance towards hate speech, particularly on social media platforms.
The proposed law seeks to introduce stringent measures, including real-time removal of hate content, enhanced accountability for digital platforms, and the use of artificial intelligence for monitoring online activity. It also proposes mandatory user verification and strict penalties for violations, while maintaining safeguards to protect freedom of speech.
If passed, the legislation could mark a major shift in India’s approach to regulating harmful content online, balancing digital freedom with accountability.
