Cabinet okays Bill to protect people from social boycott

The State Cabinet on Thursday approved the Karnataka Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, for preventing evil practices of imposition of social boycott, social discrimination and social disabilities at various levels by caste or community panchayats or by their members.

The Bill proposed prohibition of social boycott of a person or group of persons, including their family members, and for matters connected therewith or incidental.

It said social boycott of a person or group of persons is a violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. It said boycotts and imposition of various punishments by extrajudicial bodies such as caste or community panchayats are still in practice in various communities in the State, resulting in great harassment of individuals or groups in leading their lives with dignity. This has adverse effects on the social life of the community, and has given rise to ill feelings and disharmony in society.

The Bill proposed to remove these evils and unconstitutional practices from society and proposed to appoint the social boycott prohibition officer. The Bill said existing laws of the State are not adequate in dealing with such evil social practices.

Any person who imposes or causes to be imposed any social boycott on any member of his community would, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment which would be extended up to three years, the Bill said.

Cattle

The State Cabinet approved the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle (Amendment) Bill 2025 for releasing vehicles seized during illegal transportation on indemnity bond.

The Bill proposed to remove “bank guarantee” and insert the words “indemnity bond”. The Bill aimed to amend the 2020 Act, which said that the seized vehicle would be released only after depositing the value of the vehicle in the bank and a bank guarantee is issued.

The Bill aimed to include the High Court ruling in the matter, and it would be tabled during the Winter session of the State legislature in Belagavi.