OFFENCES AGAINST SCHEDULE CASTES AND SCHEDULE TRIBES
Keywords:
Constitution, Scheduled Cast, Scheduled Tribe, Discrimination, Right to equality, Untouchability, Vulnerability.Abstract
The Constitution of India guarantees equality before law and equal protection within the territory of India. It further prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, caste, religion or place of birth. Equal opportunity in public employment (Article16), abolition of untouchability, right to life and personal liberty are also guaranteed in the Constitution. In addition, Civil Rights Act 1955, Labour Regulations 1993, and Children’s Act 1992 also guarantee the right to equality. The Government recognizing the historical disadvantage and vulnerability of the Dalits and has adopted several measures to address their concerns.
A crime against the Scheduled Castes also known as Dalits is committed in every 20 minutes. The report stated that a total of 26,127 cases against Scheduled Castes were reported in 2005 while the number of crimes against Dalits in 2004 was 26,887. The cases include 8,497 cases reported under the Protection of Civil Rights Act and 291 cases under the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
