A Congress member in Maharashtra Legislative Council today objected to state government's Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill, saying it will "impinge" on customs and cultural traditions.
Opposing the 'Maharashtra Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill', MLC Haribhau Rathod said, "The cultural traditions of Banjaras in VJNT category existed for thousand years. People do not need to go to court of law for redressal of their grievances. The 'shakhas' of Banjaras function like Lok Adalats."
The bill, which will be introduced in the ongoing Budget session, seeks to crackdown on extra-judicial bodies like caste, community panchayats or 'gavaki.'
Stressing that government cannot disturb the language and culture of Banjaras, the Congress MLC said, "I will oppose if you bring this bill on banning caste panchayats. You cannot disturb our language by bringing the law. It's our tradition."
The debate on social boycott and caste panchayats was started by Shiv Sena's Neelam Gorhe.
She said 42 types of atrocities have been listed as those committed by caste panchayats and argued that some of the verdicts given by such panchayats and practices sanctioned by those are "inhuman".
"While the Home Ministry is to implement the law, the Social Justice Ministry should be empowered to rehabilitate the socially ostracised persons and families," Gorhe said.
Replying to the debate, Minister of State for Home Ram Shinde agreed to Gorhe's demand to hold a meeting with representatives of voluntary organisations, 'Andhashradha Nirmulan Samiti' and others to hear their views on the proposed legislation.
Stating that the caste panchayats function like parallel courts of law, he said, "The bill provides for three-year jail term, Rs 1 lakh fine and the offences committed so will be cognisable and bailable."
"Altogether 68 such cases were registered in the state and 770 accused have been arrested. Most cases (46) were detected in Raigad district and 737 accused were arrested," Shinde said.
