Aayushi BansalAIR 7 · CSE 2024 · 222 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has been enacted to curb atrocities & punish perpetrators committing crime aginst vulnerable sections. However, their implementation is debatable. Remains mere legal documents → without sensitization :-
Body · points
fence ↓ → no anticipatory bail ↓ → public servant can be arrested
Remains mere legal documents → without sensitization :-
(1) Public functionaries (1) Delay in registering cases & filing FIR.
(2) Lack of active support to victims
(3) Cases of atrocities by public functionaries themselves against SC, ST ↳ custodial rapes, deaths ↳ casteist slurs
(4) Civil society (1) SC, ST lack awareness of their right especially the 'most poorest of poor' (2) Lack of reach of NGOs in remote areas (3) Perpetrators ⇒ are not deterred due to holding power in local politics/money power.
However, the Act has also been effective :- (1) Mobilisation by Dalit social movements on the basis of Act.
(2) strong penal provisions act as a deterrent →
(3) Better reporting due to increased awareness & media reporting
Way forward
(1) Periodic sensitization training of public officials on the Act →
- active outreach & support to SC, ST
- sensitivity in dealing with cases related to women
(2) Engaging with NGOs for creating/designing IEC campaigns.
(3) Workshops/seminars in remote areas
Close · a way forward
SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is a major tool for achieving social justice & true realization of rights of vulnerable sections. It must be implemented in letter & spirit.