The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018

The SC/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act passed by Parliament on August 09, 2018. It seeks to amend the SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Key Highlights

  • In 2018, the Supreme Court stated that for persons accused of committing an offence under the Act, approval of the Senior Superintendent of Police will be required before an arrest is made. Further, the Deputy Superintendent of Police may conduct a preliminary enquiry to find out whether there is a prima facie case under the Act.
  • The Act prohibits the commission of offences against members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and establishes special courts for the trial of such offences and the rehabilitation of victims. This amendment nullifies the SC decision on the act.

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