Karnataka govt tables bill to criminalise social boycott, proposes jail term up to 3 years

Karnataka govt tables bill to criminalise social boycott, proposes jail term up to 3 years

Mangalore Today News Network

Belagavi, December 11, 2025: 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-judicial bodies like caste or community panchayats continue in the state, causing harassment and violating the dignity of affected individuals. Existing laws, it states, are inadequate to address such issues, making new legislation necessary.

The proposal makes it clear that imposing, participating in, or facilitating social boycott will be an offence. Any meeting or gathering to discuss imposing a social boycott will be considered unlawful and may attract a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. Aiding or abetting such acts will also carry penalties of up to three years in jail or a similar fine. All offences under the bill will be cognizable and bailable. The government will appoint a Social Boycott Prohibition Officer to identify and act on violations.

Separately, the government also introduced the Greater Bengaluru Governance (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025. Moved by Minister Mahadevappa on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the amendment seeks to include MPs and MLAs as members of the Greater Bengaluru Authority. It also adds senior bureaucrats — including the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretaries of Urban Development and Finance — as ex-officio members, and designates the Additional Chief Secretary of Urban Development as a member of the executive committee.

Additional provisions include re-division of wards in newly added local areas within a set timeframe and clarifications related to conducting elections in regions incorporated into the Greater Bengaluru jurisdiction.