Bengaluru, Dec. 6 -- Karnataka is preparing to introduce a law that would make social boycott a criminal offence, a move officials said is designed to counter deeply rooted forms of exclusion that continue in parts of the state. The proposal, titled the Karnataka Protection of People from Social Boycott Bill 2025, is expected to come before legislators during the winter session, they added.

The draft outlines strict punishment for anyone found guilty of enforcing a boycott. "A prison term that could extend to 3 years and a fine of Rs.1 lakh is being proposed. Its scope extends beyond the person issuing the order: those who encourage, take part in, or vote in meetings that seek to impose a boycott would also face prosecution. Any gatherin...