Name: THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (Prevention of Atrocities) ACT, 1989 BARE ACT DIGLOT LATEST EDITION 2025
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THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (Prevention of Atrocities) ACT, 1989
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a piece of Indian legislation designed to prevent atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). It defines various offences that constitute atrocities, establishes special courts for their trial, and provides for the relief and rehabilitation of victims. The Act is rooted in Articles 15 and 17 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibit discrimination based on caste and abolish untouchability, respectively.

Key aspects of the Act:

Definition of Atrocities:

The Act defines “atrocity” as any offence punishable under Section 3, which outlines specific acts of violence, intimidation, and discrimination against SCs and STs.
Special Courts:

It mandates the establishment of special courts to ensure speedy trials for cases involving atrocities against SCs and STs.
Relief and Rehabilitation:

The Act provides for measures to provide relief and rehabilitation to victims of atrocities, including financial assistance, housing, education, and other support.
Punishments:

The Act prescribes various punishments for offences, ranging from imprisonment and fines to life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some cases.
Public Servant Neglect:

Section 4 of the Act addresses the neglect of duties by public servants in relation to the Act’s implementation, prescribing punishments for such neglect.
No Anticipatory Bail:

Section 18 of the Act explicitly states that Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (which deals with anticipatory bail) does not apply to cases under this Act.
Monitoring Mechanism:

Vigilance and Monitoring Committees are established at the state, district, and sub-divisional levels to review the implementation of the Act.

Historical Context:

The Act was enacted because existing laws like the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Indian Penal Code were deemed insufficient to address the persistent problem of atrocities against SCs and STs. The Act aimed to provide a more robust legal framework to combat these offenses and protect the rights of these vulnerable communities.