Karnataka govt tables bill in Assembly that prohibits social boycott, violators to face 3 yrs jail
Belagavi (PTI): Karnataka government on Thursday tabled a bill in the Assembly that prohibits and criminalises social boycott of a person or a group of persons, including their family, especially by "caste panchayats".
The bill also provides for a jail term of up to three years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh for violation.
The 'Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025' that was tabled in the Assembly by Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa lists 20 forms of social boycotts, which includes refusal to deal with, work for hire or do business; denying opportunities, including access to services or contractual opportunities for rendering services.
Also, obstruction from participation in social, religious or community functions, congregations, assembly, meeting or procession; committing social ostracism on any grounds; blocking access to facilities; cutting-off of ties; among others.
As per the bill, it has been observed that the unconstitutional practices such as boycotts, imposition of various punishments by extra judicial bodies such as caste or community panchayats etc., are still in practice in various communities in the state, resulting in great harassment to individuals or groups in leading their lives with dignity.
Stating that this has adverse effects on the social life of the community and has given rise to ill feeling and disharmony in the society, it said, "it is therefore necessary to eradicate these evil and unconstitutional practices from the society."
The bill further states that the existing laws are found to be inadequate in dealing with such practices, and the government therefore considers it expedient to enact a legislation.
"It is accordingly proposed to prevent the evil practices of imposition of social boycott, social discrimination and social disabilities at various levels by caste or community panchayats or by its members and prescribe punishment for such social boycott. It is also proposed to appoint the social boycott prohibition officer," it said.
The bill makes it clear that social boycott is prohibited and its commission and practice shall be an offence.
"Any person who imposes or causes to impose or practice any social boycott on any member of his community, shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment of either description, which may be extended to three years or with fine which may be extended to rupees one lakh or with both," he said.
It said, 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.
It further says that every person who aids or abets the commission of an offence shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to Rs one lakh or with both.
Any offences punishable in this proposed legislation shall be cognizable and bailable.
The bill provides for the government to appoint a Social Boycott Prohibition Officer to detect offences.
The government also tabled "The Greater Bengaluru Governance (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Assembly on Thursday.
The bill tabled by Minister Mahadevappa on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar amends the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024 to include the members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assembly and State Legislative Council as members of the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
It also provides for including the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary Urban Development Department, and the Additional Chief Secretary or the Principal Secretary Finance Department as ex-officio members of the authority. Also to appoint the Additional Chief Secretary Urban Development Department as a member of the executive committee.
It also provides for -- the re-division of wards in respect of newly incorporated local areas to be carried out within a specified period; bringing clarity to the conduct of elections for newly added local areas to the Greater Bengaluru region; among other things.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
