Maharashtra passes Prohibition of Social Boycott bill

In a move to strengthen the laws against discrimination the Maharashtra government passed the prohibition of social Boycott bill in its state assembly.

Features of Social Boycott bill

• The social boycott is prohibited and its commission shall be an offence.
• The maximum punishment for social boycotting will be 7 years in prison or fine up to 5 lakh rupees or both
• The maximum punishment for extending aid in relation to the commission of offence will be 3 years or 3 lakh rupees or both
• The victim or any member of his family may file a complaint either through the police or directly to the Magistrate
• To ensure speedy justice, the trial shall be completed within a period of six months from the date of filing of the charge sheet
• Social Boycott Prohibition Officers will be appointed to detect the commission of offences, to assist the Magistrate and police officers in discharge of their duties under the Act
• The burden of proving that no offence under this Act have been committed by the accused, shall lie on the accuse

Points to note

• Maharashtra CM– Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor– CH.Vidyasagar Rao