Maharashtra sets example, to become first state to make social boycott a criminal offence

Social ostracism of people on the basis of caste may soon get you imprisoned and fined in Maharashtra. On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government released a draft bill called ‘The Maharashtra Prohibition of Social Boycott Act’, which has termed any action of social boycott as a crime, according to a report by The Hindu. [caption id=“attachment_2515366” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha. Image Credit: Flickr CC[/caption] If the bill is passed, Maharashtra will be the first state in India to pass a law making social boycott a punishable offense. This draft law recommends seven years of imprisonment or fine of Rs 5 lakh or both and the trial shall be completed within a period of six months from the date of filing of the charge sheet, continues the report. Social boycott is prevalent in the interiors of Maharashtra, thanks to the influence of the caste panchayats. This bill lists offenses that will be considered as social boycott, which is defined as “gesture or an act, whether oral or written, of any social discrimination," reports The Indian Express. The draft bill was welcomes by activists in the state. Krushna Chandgude, a prominent anti-caste panchayat activists told The Hindu, “It is a positive step from the government and we will be sending our suggestions to the draft. One of the major suggestions would be to make these crimes non-bailable. Hopefully we will succeed in it.” The state has also decided to get the opinion of the public and starting Thursday, the draft will be in public domain for two weeks for suggestions, said  The Indian Express report.