K’taka tables bill prohibiting social boycott, violators to face 3 years jail

The state government on Thursday tabled a bill to make the practice of social boycott a criminal offence in the assembly, in order to curb a range of exclusionary practices along caste and community lines prevalent in the state.

- Arun Dev

The Karnataka Social Boycott Prevention Prohibition and Redressal Bill, 2025, lays out penalties for actions that isolate individuals or families through informal community decisions. It outlines 20 forms of exclusion and recommends penalties of up to three years in prison, a fine up to ₹1 lakh, or both.

While explaining the need for the legislation, the bill states: “It has been observed that the unconstitutional practices such