GS I – Society
What is the SC/ST Act?
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a social justice legislation enacted to prevent discrimination and atrocities against the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
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Enacted on: 11 September 1989
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Came into force: 30 January 1990
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Objective:
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Prevent atrocities and hate crimes against SC/STs
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Provide special courts for speedy trial
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Ensure relief and rehabilitation for victims
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Key Provisions of the Act
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Section 3 | Lists specific atrocities (e.g., social boycott, assault, forced labor, etc.) |
| Special Courts | For speedy trial of offences |
| Immediate Relief | Monetary compensation, protection of witnesses, rehabilitation |
| Exclusive Offences | Even insulting an SC/ST in public view is punishable |
| Presumption of Culpability | The court may presume the accused is guilty unless proven otherwise (in some cases) |
Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015
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Expanded the list of atrocities (e.g., garlanding with footwear, denying access to irrigation, etc.)
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Made the registration of FIR mandatory
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Introduced time-bound investigation and trial
Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018
This was a direct response to the Supreme Court judgment of March 2018, which diluted key provisions of the Act.
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Reinstated no anticipatory bail for accused.
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No need for preliminary enquiry before registering an FIR.
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Directed completion of investigation within 2 months.