Maharashtra has become the 1st state to make social boycott a crime
after President Pranab Mukherjee cleared the legislation. The
Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention
Prohibition and Redressal) Act prescribes a maximum punishment of three
years in jail and a fine of Rs1 lakh. It aims to prevent atrocities
carried out by extra-judicial courts and caste panchayats. The Act also
provides for compensation to victims. The fines imposed on violators
will be used to compensate them. The Act also has a provision to
withdraw cases with the consent of victims and permission from a court.
In case of a withdrawal, the accused will have to perform community
service.
