Mangalore Today News Network

The Karnataka government on Thursday tabled a bill in the Assembly seeking to prohibit and criminalise social boycotts imposed on individuals or groups, particularly by caste panchayats. The proposed law prescribes imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh for violations.

The Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, introduced by Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, defines 20 forms of social boycott — including refusal to engage in business or services, denying access to opportunities or facilities, preventing participation in social or religious events, social ostracism, and cutting social ties.

The bill notes that unconstitutional practices such as boycotts and punishments imposed by extra-judic

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