Assembly adopts Bill to impose punishment for social boycott

The Legislative Assembly on Thursday adopted the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill 2025 that seeks to prevent the evil practices of imposing social boycott, social discrimination and social disabilities at various levels by caste or community panchayats or by its members.

Any person who imposes or causes to impose or practises any social boycott on any member of his community, will on conviction, be punished with imprisonment, which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to ₹1 lakh, or with both, according to the provisions of the Bill.

The Bill, which was piloted by Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, also seeks to appoint a social boycott prohibition officer.

The House also adopted the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace an Ordinance.

The Bill seeks to include the term “mental health establishment” within the definition of  “private medical establishment” and nominate one member from the Indian Medical Association and one member representing the Association of Registered Medical Establishments or Ayush Medical Practitioners as member of Registration and Grievances Redressal Authority.