SC/ST Act: Amid violent protests, Modi government files review petition in SC

Amid the violent protests by Dalits across the country, Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Monday filed a review petition in Supreme Court, challenging its order banning automatic arrest and registration of cases for alleged harassment of SCs and STs.

“We have filed the review petition in Supreme Court. I appeal to all political parties & groups to maintain peace and not incite violence,” said Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

On March 20, the apex court had laid new guidelines that protect public servants from immediate arrest after a complaint is filed against them under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Dalit organisations across the country on Monday called a nationwide Bandh over the top court’s order. The protests turned violent in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh as Dalit groups tried to enforce the shutdown.

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Four people died in Madhya Pradesh during the violent clashes. A curfew has been imposed in Gwalior and Morena districts. Protesters in Bhind resorted to stone pelting on security forces and several people were injured.

In Rajasthan, protesters blocked trains, vandalised shops and showrooms in state capital Jaipur.

Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut batoncharged on Dalit protesters in which several people, including women and minors, injured.