The Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to live a life free from discrimination.
Bhopal. Another case of Dalit oppression and caste discrimination has surfaced from Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh, heating up the political and social atmosphere across the state. First, the inhuman and humiliating brutality against a Dalit truck driver, and now, in the same district, an oath allegedly taken by some members of the Brahmin community to socially boycott the Jatav (Dalit) community has sparked deep anger among the Dalit community in the state. A viral video on social media shows some members of the alleged Mahapanchayat being made to swear not to have any relations with members of the Jatav community. This video has further fueled the spark of caste tension in the entire matter.
This incident is set against the backdrop of a tragic incident that occurred on Diwali, in which Dalit youth Gyan Singh Jatav, a truck driver, was brutally treated by arrogant casteists. According to the victim, “I was forced into a vehicle at gunpoint, tied with iron chains, and beaten relentlessly. To humiliate me, I was forced to drink urine from a bottle. This wasn’t just violence, it was punishment in the name of caste. This is caste terror.” Even after the incident came to light, the victim’s side alleges that arrests are being delayed, while the accused are roaming freely.
Now, a Mahapanchayat and a pledge to boycott
In the latest video, it is being said from the stage of a meeting of the alleged Brahmin community that relations, communication, transactions, social interactions, and kinship with members of the Jatav community will not be maintained at any level. Dalit organizations, social activists, and political parties have called this a direct attack on constitutional norms. Legal experts say this falls squarely under the ambit of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Section 153-A (promoting enmity between communities) and Section 505 (attempting to spread hatred through rumours and speeches) of the Indian Penal Code. Under these sections, inciting hatred against any community, calling for social boycott, making provocative statements in public, and organising meetings that promote caste hatred are punishable offenses.
In a conversation with The Mooknayak, legal expert Advocate Mayank Singh said, “The manner in which the oath to boycott a community is allegedly being administered in the video is not only socially dangerous but also a direct attack on constitutional values. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens, Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, and Article 17 completely abolishes untouchability and related practices. Therefore, a public declaration of boycotting a community is contrary to the fundamental principles of the Constitution, law, and justice.”
He further said, “The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act considers such acts a serious crime because they are a deliberate attempt to socially, mentally, and economically oppress an individual or community. Sections 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code apply to statements and gatherings that promote hatred, tension, or division in society. In such cases, it is the duty of the police and administration to take immediate cognizance and take strict action so that the message of law, not hooliganism and caste frenzy, reaches society.”
Azad Samaj Party’s Protest
Azad Samaj Party National President Chandrashekhar Azad, in a post on X, described the entire incident as “an extreme form of caste terrorism.”
He said, “Instead of punishing the perpetrators, a section of the upper caste society is holding mahapanchayats and vowing to boycott the Jatav community. This is a war against the Constitution, equality, and human dignity. If this is not terrorism, then what is it?”
They have demanded from the government:
– Immediate arrest of the accused and instigators.
– An FIR should be filed against those organizing the Mahapanchayat under the SC/ST Act and sedition.
– The victim’s family should be given security and respect.
Bhind Superintendent of Police Asit Yadav, speaking to The Mooknayak on this matter, said that the police have taken cognizance of the viral video and an investigation is underway. He said, “The video has surfaced. The police are investigating the entire incident. Only after the investigation will necessary action be taken based on the facts. The case is currently under trial.”
What does the Constitution say?
The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to live a life free from discrimination. It outlaws untouchability, caste exclusion, and social segregation, and also places an obligation on the state to ensure the safety and equal opportunities of the weaker sections of society. Therefore, insulting, harassing, or ostracizing any community is not only against human values but also a direct violation of constitutional provisions.
This video is considered even more serious because it shows an attempt to legitimize mass boycotts—the same social system that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar described as the basis of social slavery.
Ankit Pachauri
Courtesy: Hindi News