Bengaluru, March 11 -- The Karnataka Micro Loan and Small Loan (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Ordinance, 2025 that awards 10-year rigorous jail imprisonment, imposition of Rs. 5 lakh fine, action against black money and immunity against the harassment of money lenders, was passed in the Legislative Assembly yesterday.

Law Minister H.K. Patil tabled the Ordinance on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Assembly, that saw intense debate by the Ruling and Opposition parties MLAs, before it was eventually passed, albeit with the advise of the Opposition parties.

Minister Patil, who proposed the Ordinance on behalf of the CM, told the Assembly that the Ordinance has been introduced to prevent harassment by the private financial ins...