Karnataka Introduces Bill to Criminalize Social Boycott Practices
Photo by Muhammad Shakir
Key Facts
Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Bill) 2025 tabled in Assembly.
Bill seeks to prohibit and criminalize any act of social boycott.
Offence punishable with imprisonment up to three years or fine up to ₹1 lakh or both.
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to equality and social justice
Role of state governments in enacting social legislation
Impact of social boycott on vulnerable communities
Visual Insights
States with Laws Against Social Boycott
Highlights states in India that have enacted legislation to prevent and prohibit social boycott practices. Karnataka is the latest state to introduce such a bill.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Bill) 2025: 1. The bill criminalizes social boycott practices targeting individuals, groups, and their families. 2. The bill prescribes a maximum imprisonment of three years or a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both, for offenders. 3. The bill explicitly excludes 'caste panchayats' from its purview, recognizing their role in dispute resolution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect as the bill specifically targets 'caste panchayats' involved in social boycotts.
2. In the context of social boycott, which of the following fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution is/are most directly violated? 1. Article 14: Equality before law 2. Article 19: Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc. 3. Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three articles are potentially violated by social boycott. Article 14 is violated due to unequal treatment, Article 19 due to restrictions on freedom, and Article 21 due to the impact on personal liberty and dignity.
3. Assertion (A): Social boycott practices often perpetuate discrimination and inequality, particularly against marginalized communities. Reason (R): Traditional institutions like caste panchayats are always detrimental to social harmony and justice. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: C
Assertion A is true as social boycott leads to discrimination. Reason R is false because while caste panchayats can be detrimental, they also sometimes play a positive role in dispute resolution within communities. The blanket statement is incorrect.
4. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the historical context of laws aimed at preventing social discrimination in India?
- A.The Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, was a landmark legislation aimed at abolishing untouchability.
- B.The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1976, broadened the scope of the 1955 Act and made offences non-compoundable.
- C.Article 17 of the Indian Constitution directly prohibits untouchability and its practice in any form.
- D.The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, primarily focuses on preventing social boycott practices.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Option D is incorrect. The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, addresses a range of atrocities against SCs and STs, including but not limited to social boycott. Its primary focus is broader than just preventing social boycott.
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Source Articles
Bill to include LS and Assembly members from GBA area in Authority tabled - The Hindu
Bill providing for penalty and imprisonment for hate speech, hate crime tabled in Karnataka sAssembly amidst resistance by BJP - The Hindu
10-year jail term, ₹1 lakh fine: What is the new Karnataka hate speech and hate crime Bill? - The Hindu
Karnataka Assembly passes anti-conversion Bill amid Congress walkout - The Hindu
Karnataka Legislative Assembly passes anti-conversion Bill amid criticism - Frontline