Maharashtra proposes to make caste-based social boycott a crime
Q. Which of the following will be the first state to propose a law against the social boycott of individuals or families by caste Panchayats?- Published on 02 Mar 16a. Haryana
b. Maharashtra
c. Kerala
d. Tamil Nadu
ANSWER: Maharashtra
- Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to propose a law against the social boycott of individuals or families by caste Panchayats.
- Caste panchayat heads have been reported to mete out extra-judicial punishment to those not adhering to their rules.
- It terms any action of social boycott a crime. It states that a trial should be completed within six months from the date of filing of a charge sheet, and has recommended three years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both, for those found guilty.
- Offences punishable under the act shall be cognisable and bailable, and can be tried by a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
- There is also provision for Social Boycott Prohibition Officers to detect the commission of offences under the act; these officers will assist magistrate and police officers in the discharge of their duties.
- The state was the first in the country to enact an anti-superstition law.
