Karnataka introduces Bill proposing three-year jail, penalty for social boycotting
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 to impose a boycott will be treated as an unlawful gathering and attract penalties. Aiding or abetting such boycotts will also invite up to three years’ jail and Rs 1 lakh fine.
Under the proposed law, the government will appoint a Social Boycott Prohibition Officer to detect offences.
As per the report, the government also introduced the Greater Bengaluru Governance (Second Amendment) Bill in the Assembly on Thursday. The Bill seeks to include Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, MLAs and MLCs as members of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The chief secretary and heads of the urban development and finance departments will also get seats in the GBA, as per the Bill.
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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."
