Belagavi: The Karnataka government on Thursday introduced a Bill in the Assembly to prohibit and criminalise social boycott, especially those imposed by self-appointed caste panchayats, with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh, Deccan Herald reported.

According to the report, the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, presented by Law Minister H K Patil, lists 19 forms of social ostracisation. These include refusal to do business, denying opportunities, obstruction from participation in events or blocking access to facilities and cutting-off of ties.

The Bill reportedly notes that unconstitutional practices such as caste panchayats issuing punishments or enforcing boycotts continue in parts of the state. Any assembly of people convened

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