Punishment for Offences of Atrocities under Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

Main Article Content

Prashant Kumar Baghel, Dr. Anindhya Tiwari

Abstract

            The existing law like the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and the normal provisions of the Indian Penal Code have been found to be inadequate to check the crimes of atrocities on the Schedule Castes and the Schedule tribes. A special Legislation to check and deter crimes against them committed by non-Schedules Castes and non-Scheduled Tribes has, therefore, become necessary. In this Act term "Atrocities" has not only been defined in details but stringent measures have been introduced to provide for higher punishments for such atrocities. This Act came into force on 30th January 1990 as Act 33 of 1989.


Another remarkable feature of this Act is that it applies not only to the people of Scheduled Castes but also to the Scheduled Tribes. It, however, exempts officers belonging to SC and ST from the guilt of neglecting to enquire into or investigate the offences, for which the officers are responsible. Lastly, a very strong deterrent for the prospective offenders is laid down by prescribing that the Court trying any case under this Act may attach the property, movable or immovable or both, during the period of the trial and may forfeit it if the trial ends in conviction for the purpose of realisation of any fine imposed in the case.                                                                                                                              

Article Details

Section
Articles