The Maharashtra Assembly yesterday unanimously approved the Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill, which seeks to crack down on extra-judicial bodies like caste and community panchayats, and prescribes a maximum punishment of three years in jail.

The Bill, “to provide for prohibition of social boycott of a person or group of persons including their family members and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto” was passed on the last day of the Budget session yesterday. It is yet to be passed by the Legislative Council.