Harassing debtors will invite longer jail term in Karnataka

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Moneylenders harassing their debtors for repayment can now be imprisoned for up to two years, according to the recent amendment to the Karnataka Money Lenders Act.

Any moneylender who intimidates or uses violence against the debtor can be imprisoned for a period of one year as per the provisions of the amended Act, notified recently. Based on the severity of the offense, the guilty will have to either pay a fine of up to Rs 50,000, or serve a prison sentence, or both.