Controversy Over SC/ST Act
The News What is the controversy over the SC/ST Act? Details: The issue • The Supreme Court on March 20, 2018, decided that there are limitations regarding arrests in cases registered under the Schedules Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. • It also ruled that “there is no absolute bar against grant of anticipatory bail in cases under the Atrocities Act if no prima facie case is made out or where on judicial scrutiny the complaint is found to be prima facie mala fide.” • Amid concerns that the SC’s decision would dilute the law contrary to the intention of legislature that passed it and widespread violent protests, the government filed a petition seeking a review of the decision. • The court on April 3 refused to stay the ruling but said it would consider the Centre’s petition in detail. Significance • The Act was conceived as a strong safeguard against castes and tribes that have been historically exploited and abused. • Emancipation of the Dalits
