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Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, enacted in India in 1989, aims to protect marginalized communities, specifically Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), from discrimination and violence. It establishes specific legal measures against atrocities such as harassment, social exclusion, and violence based on caste or tribal identity. The Act mandates swift legal action, with provisions for special courts to ensure speedy justice. It underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of these historically oppressed groups, promoting social equality and justice in society.

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  • Image for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

    The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is an Indian law aimed at protecting marginalized communities—specifically Scheduled Castes (Dalits) and Scheduled Tribes—from discrimination and violence. It prohibits offenses against these groups, such as harassment, humiliation, and violence based on caste or tribal identity. The Act provides for special courts to ensure speedy justice and outlines punishments for perpetrators. Its goal is to empower these communities, promote social justice, and prevent atrocities, supporting India's commitment to equality and human rights.