The Dalit organizations across India called for a Bharat Bandh on April 2 as an effect of the Supreme Court ruling that diluted the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The protests by Dalits have affected transport services, schools, as well as businessmen all across India, particularly in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Orissa.
In order to counter the situation, a review petition has been filed by the central government stating that it doesn’t agree with the SC ruling. The news was disclosed by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad who also clarified that the government has no intention of changing the provision of reservation for minorities.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has suspended internet services from 5 pm on Sunday evening that is likely to continue till Monday 11 pm. The Army has also been requested to remain on Stand-by in the state. Besides, the members of Punjab Congress are reportedly going to hand over a memorandum to the Governor against the SC ruling.
Furthermore, the effects of Bharat Bandh can be clearly seen in Rajasthan, where the transports services have been suspended until noon and the shops and other business establishments have been closed due to the uproar by SC/ST community in places like Pali, Alwar, Nagore, Ajmer, etc.
The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 prevents atrocities against the SC/ST community and prevents practices like untouchability and other social evils practiced against the people of this community. However, on March 20, Supreme Court ruled that there was no absolute bar on granting an anticipatory bail under the Act.
The apex court stated that the public servants cannot be prosecuted without the approval of the appointing authority and that the citizens too cannot be arrested until there is an inquiry under the law. The amendment was made to protect honest people from false allegations.
However, the Dalit community is now furious on the ruling owing to the allegedly rising number of cases of atrocities against their people. On the other hand, it has been reported that many of the cases were found to be false allegations.
Currently, the ruling NDA, as well as the opposition including Congress, has come forward in the support of the Dalits. The government is requesting the citizens not to turn violent. As per the media reports, the review petition by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been drafted citing the reason that the order will weaken the provision of the Act thereby reducing the fear of the law.
