Karnataka Cabinet clears law against 'evil' social boycott, accused to be slapped with Rs 1 lakh fine, 3 years jail

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet approved Thursday a new law that prohibits and criminalises social boycott of persons, especially by self-appointed caste panchayats, with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

The Karnataka Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, piloted by Law, Justice & Human Rights Minister HK Patil, is likely to come up in the winter session of the legislature starting next week.

The Bill lists 19 forms of social boycott, which includes refusal to do business, denying opportunities, obstruction from participation in events or blocking access to facilities and cutting-off of ties.

“Generally, social boycotts are observed in cases of inter-caste marriages,” Patil’s department said in a note. Maharashtra has enacted a similar law to protect people from social boycott.

“It has been observed that the unconstitutional practices such as boycotts, imposition of various punishments by extrajudicial bodies such as caste or community panchayats, are still in practice in various communities in the state,” the note said. “This has adverse effects on the social life of the community and has given rise to ill feelings and disharmony in society. It is therefore necessary to eradicate these evil and unconstitutional practices from society,” it said, adding that existing laws were “inadequate”.

Any assembly or congregation of persons to discuss imposing a social boycott will be “unlawful” and attract a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Aiding or abetting social boycotts will result in up to three years’ jail and Rs 1 lakh in fine.

Under the proposed law, the government will appoint a Social Boycott Prohibition Officer to detect offences.

Cabinet drops acquisition of 1,777 acres

The Cabinet decided Thursday to drop 1,777 acres of land in Channarayapatna, Devanahalli taluk from the acquisition process for a defence and aerospace park.

Farmers were against the acquisition of their lands. Their protest lasted 1,195 days until the government was forced to give in to their demand.

"The Cabinet decision is based on farmers' protests and their talks with the government," Law Minister HK Patil said.