Derogatory words against Backward Classes may attract penal action

December 2, 2014

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Bengaluru: Dec 2: The State government has been exploring the possibility of taking legal action against those who use derogatory and abusive words while referring to people belonging to certain backward classes in the State, Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya said on Monday.

Addressing reporters, he said the government wants to ban usage of words such as hajama' and darvesi' that hurt people belonging to the community related to those professions. These derogatory words are referred to people who follow certain traditional professions. The department has sought the law department's opinion on taking legal action against people who use such abusive words, he added.

The minister was speaking after holding a meeting with progressive writers and thinkers and representatives of Kannada filmdom to draw up a plan on launching a publicity campaign for the proposed caste census in the State.

Earlier, writer Siddalingaiah said use of derogatory words against SCs and STs has already been banned.

“There is also a provision to take penal action if violated. But the practice of using such words against certain backward classes still continues. Usage of such words should be banned to uphold the dignity of people belonging to backward classes,” he suggested.

This apart, Anjaneya said cine actors from Kannada filmdom have volunteered to take part in a campaign to spread awareness among people on the caste census in the State. The government has planned to conduct street plays and puppet shows as part of the campaign. Short films will be screened in every nook and corner of the State, besides putting up flexes and banners, he added.

Music director and lyricist Hamsalekha and number of Kannada writers have come forward to provide literature for the campaign, which will be launched shortly. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will soon hold a meeting to finalise the date for conducting the survey, Anjaneya said.

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December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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