Karnataka government introduces bill to criminalize social boycotts

India Dec 11, 2025

Karnataka just rolled out a new bill aiming to make social boycotts—like shutting someone out of community events or refusing business—illegal.
The law targets actions by caste panchayats and similar groups that exclude people from daily life.

Why does it matter?

If this bill becomes law, anyone enforcing or supporting a social boycott could face up to three years in jail and a ₹1 lakh fine.
It also bans organizing meetings for these boycotts and appoints officers to help enforce the rules.
This move is all about protecting people's rights to dignity and equality, and would make Karnataka only the second state in India (after Maharashtra) with such a ban.