Bharat Bandh on April 2 against SC/ST Act, police tightens security

Dalit organisations have called for a countrywide strike on Monday to protest against court’s March 20 verdict that safeguard public from random arrests under the SC/ST Act.

"All educational institutions to remain closed and mobile Internet services to be suspended in the state tomorrow in the wake of bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment under the SC/ST Act," a circular said.

Meanwhile, Karan A Singh wrote to Secretary Department of Defence, Government of India stating, 'Army in Punjab to remain ready for any eventuality as state govt may need their assistance in maintaining law & order' during bandh.’

Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh appealed to the people of the state to maintain law and order.

ALSO READ: Commonwealth Games 2018: Doping cloud lurks as syringe found near athletes' vilage

He said in a statement that the protest should be conducted in a peaceful manner and nothing should be done to endanger the peace and communal comradeship in the state.

4000 police personnel along with one company of Rapid Action Force (RAF) to be deployed tomorrow. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in violence, Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana said over the issue.

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court ordered that there shall be no immediate arrest on any complaint filed under the law, given the misuse of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act.

Before arresting a public servant under the Act, a preliminary probe by an officer not below the rank of deputy superintendent is a must, the court said.

The Supreme Court took the decision after taking a note of a petition filed by the Maharashtra government.