Scheduled Caste And Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
The Allahabad High Court recently said that an alleged act of intentional insult or intimidation causing humiliation would constitute an offence under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 only if it is committed in public view.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
- It is an Act to prevent the commission of offences of atrocities against the members of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) by persons other than SCs and STs.
- It provides for punishment for offences of atrocities committed against SCs and STs.
- It authorizes the Central Government to frame rules for carrying out the purpose of the Act.
- The Act is implemented by the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, which are provided due central assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for effective implementation of the provisions of the Act.
- This Act does not apply to crimes committed between SCs and STs or between STs and SCs.
- There are 37 offences included in the Act that involve patterns of behaviour inflicting criminal offences and breaking the self-respect and esteem of the SCs and STs community.
- Among these are the denial of economic, democratic and social rights, as well as the exploitation and abuse of the legal system.
- All offences listed in the Act are cognizable.
- An investigation of offence committed under the Act cannot be investigated by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
- The investigation should be completed within 30 days, and the report should be sent directly to the director of the state police.
