Supreme Court issues notice to Union govt on plea against constitutional validity of Transgender Amendment Act 2026
Hearing arguments by senior advocate A M Singhvi for the petitioners, the bench asked if allowing selfidentification would not pose a danger and allow those masquerading as transgenders to corner the benefit. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Union government on a plea challenging the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 for replacing the individual’s own understanding of their gender or identity with a biological or socio-medical category of the State’s choosing. A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought a response from the Centre and others within six weeks on the petition filed by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the chairperson of National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP), and its member Zainab Patel and others Hearing arguments by senior advocate A M Singhvi for the petitioners, the bench asked if allowing self During the hearing, the court was also informed the Act is yet to come into force as the Centre has not notified it, and hence the petitions were premature. The petition contended the Amendment Act amended the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, in its structure, object, and affect, and thus violated the fundamental rights of transgender persons guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21 of the Constitution. The plea pointed out in National Legal Services Authority Vs Union of India, (2014), the Supreme Court, recognised for the first time that transgender persons have a fundamental right to be identified as a third gender, distinct from the male-female binary. It highlighted that the court then directed that transgender persons would be treated as socially and educationally backward classes for the purposes of reservation under Articles 15(4) and 16(4), and called upon the State to take affirmative steps to address the marginalisation they face. Above all, NALSA judgment established that the right to self-identification of gender is a fundamental right under Article 21, not a privilege to be conferred by a certificate, not a status to be earned through surgery and not a conclusion to be reached by a medical board, the plea said. The 2019 Act preserved the core of what NALSA required. However, the Amendment Act arbitrarily removed the provision, which stated that a transgender person is someone whose gender does not match their birth assignment, and that they have the right to self-identify, the plea contended. “The deepest constitutional wound inflicted by the Amendment Act is the substitution of the definition of “transgender person” in Section 2(k) of the Principal Act,” it stated. The plea emphasised in NALSA judgment, the Supreme Court explicitly and unequivocally repudiated the requirement of surgical intervention as a precondition for legal gender recognition. This court further held that each person’s self-identification of gender must be accepted as the foundation of their legal gender identity, without the State imposing medical, psychiatric, or bureaucratic gatekeeping. The right to determine one’s own gender, free from coerced bodily alteration, was held to flow directly from the right to privacy and dignity under Article 21, it pointed out. The plea contended a legislature cannot repeal a provision that gives concrete form to a fundamental right recognised by this court without violating Article 21. Ashish Tripathi Courtesy : DH Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanherald.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Why is a medical examination of transgender people necessary? This has sparked controversy.
The new transgender law’s mandatory medical board examination for identification has sparked controversy. Experts say that a physical examination alone is not scientifically sufficient and could impact the identity of many people. New Delhi: The purpose of medical examinations for transgender people is not to question their identity, but to ensure safe and appropriate treatment. The process for identifying gender dysphoria often begins with a psychological evaluation to determine whether the person has experienced long-term gender incongruence. Other mental health issues are also examined, and the person’s consent is obtained for treatment. Before starting hormone therapy or surgery, doctors assess hormone levels, bone strength, heart risks, and fertility through a physical examination and lab tests. This medical monitoring helps reduce the risk of long-term hormone use complications, such as blood clots, liver damage, or osteoporosis. What are the regulations in other countries? In many countries, medical examinations are required to change gender in legal documents. Some sports organizations also conduct such tests to maintain fair competition. While critics say some rules are excessively strict, experts agree that these tests are intended to prioritize patient safety, informed decision-making, and long-term health. Why are there protests over transgender rights in India? The debate over transgender rights has once again intensified in India. Last month, Parliament passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026, which makes significant changes to the 2019 law. The new law makes it mandatory for a medical board to confirm a person’s transgender identity. Experts and rights activists have raised serious questions about this provision. Critics argue that a person’s gender identity cannot be determined solely based on a physical examination. Medical experts believe that gender identity is a complex issue, with psychological, social, and personal identities also playing a significant role. Determining this based solely on a physical examination cannot be considered scientifically accurate. What do experts say? Experts have also stated that the new law could exclude many trans men, trans women, and non-binary individuals. The definition of a transgender person in the law is primarily limited to social and cultural identities such as Hijra, Kinnar, and Aravani. This could pose difficulties for those who identify as transmen, transwomen, or non-binary. What does the government say? The government states that the purpose of this change is to clarify the identification process and prevent fraudulent claims. However, those protesting consider it an affront to personal freedom and dignity. Edited By: Km Jaya Courtesy: Hindi News
ECI, BJP played ‘nasty games’: Mamata says TMC was not defeated in Bengal, refuses to resign from CM post
Targeting the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Mamata described him as the “villain of this election” and accused him of “looting” the democratic rights of the people. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) and accused it of “looting” the democratic rights of the people, a day after the BJP registered a landslide victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference, the outgoing CM claimed that her party had won the election morally and stated that she would not resign from her position. “I will not resign, I did not lose, I will not go to Raj Bhavan…The question doesn’t arise. No. Now, I also want to say that we didn’t lose the election. Officially, through the Election Commission, they can defeat us, but morally, we won the election,” the TMC leader said. Targeting the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Mamata described him as the “villain of this election” and accused him of “looting” the EVMs and the democratic rights of the people. She also reiterated the allegation that the ECI worked for the BJP, facilitating their win in the crucial elections. “Two days before the election, they started arresting our people. They started raiding everywhere. They changed all IPS and IAS officers. They selected people from their party and BJP played the game directly with the Election Commission. It is a betting between the BJP and the Election Commission,” Mamata alleged. Speaking on the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that reduced Bengal’s electorate by nearly 91 lakhs, Mamata said, “We fought against all machinery. PM and HM are also involved, direct interference… They played dirty, nasty and mischievous games. I have never seen this type of election in my life.” Mamata also repeated the allegation that she was attacked when she visited the counting centre where votes for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency –which the TMC leader lost to BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari– were being counted on Monday. “I went inside for a few minutes. They kicked me in my belly, backside and manhandled and assaulted me. That time CCTV was off…” she said. She also alleged manipulation and foul play in the counting process. “After first round of counting, they started saying that BJP is getting 195-200. You didn’t wait for the final result. You didn’t even wait for 5-6 rounds. After that campaign with the press media, BJP went inside the polling station and they started beating the people, counting agents,” Mamata alleged. “When I came to know that all counting agents are withdrawn, I was leading by about 30,000 and about 5 rounds were left. We should have got more than 32,000,” she added. Mamata also alleged that BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari brought around 200 goons from outside to beat up people. “Even women were not spared and they snatched away all forms. When I came to know, I went there. They stopped my car, but I took another route. When I entered, the CRPF told me that I was not allowed to go. I said that I am a candidate…Then I complained to the RO that counting should be stopped immediately until normalcy is restored. I saw the DEO. I know that he gave a message to someone 15 days ago that ‘counting mein khel hoga’…” she said. Mamata earlier said she would file formal complaints with the authorities concerned against the foul play at the Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ High School counting centre, where the votes for her constituency were counted. The race took a dramatic turn over consecutive rounds, with Mamata, who established a strong lead initially, being overturned by Adhikari, who took a lead of over 500 votes after the 16th round. Mamata also stated that several INDIA alliance leaders had reached out to her to express solidarity. “Sonia ji, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Hemant Soren rang me up. All the allies of INDIA Alliance told me that they are totally and absolutely with me. I think our solidarity will be united and strong for the next days,” she said. She stressed that she would now work towards strengthening the opposition alliance. “My target is very clear. I will strengthen the INDIA team, just like a small person. I don’t have a chair now, so I am a commoner,” she said. Mamata also announced the formation of a 10-member fact-finding committee to visit areas “affected by post-poll violence” and assess the ground situation. The BJP registered a resounding victory in Bengal, winning 207 seats, well past the majority mark in the 294-member assembly and elbowing out the TMC government, which had been in power for three consecutive terms. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Congress seems willing as Vijay reaches out, Mamata returns Rahul gesture
TNCC to discuss TVK letter seeking Congress support to form govt, Mamata says will work for national alliance now. Would DMK be left out in the cold? Having suffered morale-sapping defeats in the recent Assembly elections, bickering INDIA bloc allies Congress and Trinamool Congress sent out first signals of rapprochement Tuesday. At the same time, a rupture in ties between the DMK and Congress in Tamil Nadu seems to be on the cards. After a meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and attended by Rahul Gandhi and AICC in-charge of Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal indicated Tuesday evening that the party was ready to support TVK president Vijay, the surprise winner of the Tamil Nadu elections, to form a government. Addressing the media, Venugopal said the party was “clear that the mandate in Tamil Nadu was for a secular government committed to protecting the Constitution”, and that it should keep out “the BJP and its proxies”. “Thiru Vijay has spoken about drawing inspiration from perunthalaivar Kamaraj also. Accordingly, the Congress leadership has directed the TNCC to take a final decision… keeping in view the sentiments of the state reflected in the electoral verdict,” he said. Soon after, a meeting of the TNCC was called by Chodankar over Zoom on Tuesday night to decide on the matter. Gandhi is known to have been in favour of a pre-poll alliance with the TVK, and is reported to have made his unhappiness with Kharge known for having pushed the party to stay on with the DMK, which lost power to finish a distant second in the state. With 108 seats, the TVK is 10 short of a majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly; the Congress has 5 MLAs. Sources said a section of the Congress leadership in Tamil Nadu as well as newly elected MLAs favour extending support to the TVK. While a TVK-Congress deal may prompt an irate DMK to distance itself from the INDIA bloc, those in the pro-Vijay camp say the Congress can’t “go against the sentiments of youths” in Tamil Nadu, or ignore the reality of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The party has 9 MPs currently from the state. One solution being considered to placate the DMK is abstaining from voting when Vijay takes a majority test in the Assembly. In contrast with Tamil Nadu’s new strains stood the Congress’s striking outreach to the TMC, with Gandhi himself tweeting as soon as the results in Bengal confirmed the Mamata Banerjee-led party’s big defeat at the hands of the BJP. The ties between the Congress and TMC have been frayed for a while, and had been further strained by Gandhi’s attacks on Mamata personally during the Bengal campaign. However, on Monday, Gandhi was one of the first Opposition leaders to endorse Mamata’s “vote loot” claims. While thanking the people of Kerala for its mandate to the Congress and congratulating Vijay, he posted: “Assam and Bengal are clear cases of the election being stolen by the BJP with the support of the EC. We agree with Mamata ji. More than 100 seats were stolen in Bengal.” Linking it to the Congress’s previous claims, which incidentally not all INDIA bloc allies have been on board with, Gandhi said: “We have seen this playbook before: Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Lok Sabha 2024 etc.” Notably, Gandhi, who followed up this post with a phone call to Mamata as well as Vijay, was silent on the DMK’s defeat, including the loss personally of M K Stalin, with whom he once shared a close rapport. On Tuesday, in another post, Gandhi signalled to Congress leaders that the electoral wrangling with the TMC was to be put behind. “Some in the Congress, and others, are gloating about TMC’s loss. They need to understand this clearly – the theft of Assam and Bengal’s mandate is a big step forward by the BJP in its mission to destroy Indian democracy… This is not about one party or another. This is about India,” he said. In Kolkata, Mamata signaled a turn too, saying in her first post-result press conference, held Tuesday, that she had spoken with both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, and that several INDIA bloc leaders, including the Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, the JMM’s Hemant Soren, the RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, the AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, and the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Uddhav Thackeray, had reached out to her in solidarity. Many of them had also campaigned for the TMC during the polls. Akhilesh may travel to Kolkata Wednesday to meet Mamata. Mamata also asserted that she would now focus on strengthening the Opposition alliance at the national level – a tie-up she has earlier expressed unhappiness with often. In 2024, the TMC chief had hinted that the Congress should not assume itself as the natural leader of the INDIA bloc. “I formed the INDIA bloc, now it is up to those leading the front to manage it… I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along,” she said in a television interview. Asked if she could take charge of the bloc, Mamata said: “If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning.” The quick recalibrations by the INDIA bloc parties since Monday show that they realise the alliance is on the brink after the defeat of Mamata’s TMC and Stalin’s DMK – two of the strongest regional and foundational pillars of the Opposition bloc. Another INDIA constituent, the Left, now has no government anywhere in the country in nearly five decades. The Congress itself can barely take solace from the Kerala win as it coincided with a battering in Assam and all of two seats in Bengal. The Opposition remains unable to take forward its political planks centered around the Special Intensive Revision and the functioning of the Election Commission, as well as delimitation plans. The elation of a united Opposition thwarting the government’s women quota amendment Bill in Parliament is fast receding. Written by: Manoj C.G Courtesy
Congress calls late-night meeting to decide on possible support for Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu
The move follows Congress leaving the final decision to its state unit after directing it to consider Vijay’s request and public sentiment in TN. NEW DELHI: The Congress is considering a possible alliance with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with sources indicating that a power-sharing arrangement is under active discussion. An urgent meeting of the Tamil Nadu Congress Political Affairs Committee has been convened at 10:30 pm on Tuesday to take a final call on the matter, according to sources. The late-night meeting has been called by AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar and will be held virtually via Zoom. The move follows the central leadership’s decision to leave the final choice to the state unit, shortly after directing it to consider Vijay’s request for support in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, taking into account public sentiment in the state. All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar TVK led govt’s oath taking ceremony likely on May 7 even as uncertainity looms The decision to delegate the matter was taken at a high-level meeting attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Rahul Gandhi, general secretary (organisation) K. C. Venugopal, and Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Venugopal said TVK president Vijay had sought Congress support to form a government in Tamil Nadu. He added that the party remains committed to ensuring that the BJP and its allies are kept out of power in the state. “The INC is clear that the mandate in Tamil Nadu is for a secular government committed to protecting the Constitution in letter and spirit,” Venugopal said. All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar Political observers see uncertain path ahead as TVK falls short of majority in Tamil Nadu Assembly The Congress leadership has instructed the Tamil Nadu unit to take a final decision based on the political situation in the state following the electoral outcome, he added. The TVK secured 108 seats, falling short of the 118 required to form a majority. The Congress, along with allies such as the DMK, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and IUML, currently holds a fragmented position within the broader alliance structure. According to sources, there is growing support within the party for exploring an arrangement with TVK. However, the central leadership has placed responsibility on the state unit to avoid any impression that the decision is being imposed from above. Party insiders said this approach is also aimed at preventing strain in its long-standing relationship with the DMK. Sources also indicated that Rahul Gandhi is understood to be open to examining a potential understanding with Vijay’s party. Preetha Nair Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Casteism in Rajasthan: Initially said at a Sikar temple ceremony, “Dalits will not be seated in the yagna,” he apologized unconditionally after the video went viral!
The director of a private college in Ringas made a controversial statement, and after facing intense social pressure and criticism, he publicly apologized. Sikar – During a meeting of all communities held at the Tejaji Temple in Shahpura Tikaria, Sikar district, Rajasthan, Babulal Yadav, director of Tejal Shikshan Sansthan, Ringas, made a highly controversial statement. In the video, he is heard saying that the upcoming yagna-havan is being conducted according to Vedic tradition, and therefore, members of the Scheduled Castes will not be allowed to sit in it. He also clarified that while everyone has the right to sit in the Arya Samaj tradition, this ceremony is being conducted according to Vedic tradition, therefore, no one from the Scheduled Caste community will be allowed to sit in it. He specifically stated that women will not be allowed to sit in the ceremony. He tried to justify this discrimination by citing Vedic tradition and also stated that women could participate in the Kalash Yatra if they wished, but would not be given a place in the Yagya. He then asked those present to raise their hands, and many did. As the video spread on social media, widespread outrage erupted among Dalit organizations, social activists, and ordinary citizens. People not only described it as a vile manifestation of casteism but also a direct violation of Article 17 of the Indian Constitution, which completely prohibits untouchability. It was also noteworthy that the person making the statement was directly associated with the educational world, which further deepened the controversy. After the video went viral and faced immense social pressure, Babulal Yadav publicly apologized. Such incidents have occasionally made headlines in Rajasthan, although Article 17 of the Constitution prohibits untouchability and guarantees equal rights to all citizens in religious activities. After facing immense social pressure and criticism, Babulal Yadav publicly apologized. He acknowledged his statement as incorrect, stating that he made an unintentional mistake but did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments. He stated that he respects the socio-religious sentiments of all communities and that he apologizes unconditionally, putting an end to the controversy. Many argue that an apology alone should not be the end of the matter, and that legal action should be taken against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This incident once again raises the question of how deeply rooted caste discrimination is on the ground, despite laws and constitutional provisions. At present, no official police action has been confirmed in the case, but social pressure and discussion continue. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
A Dalit e-rickshaw driver was brutally treated in MP! He was stuffed into a tractor, beaten, and paraded around the village wearing a garland of shoes.
The Bhim Army demanded justice: “The accused should be arrested in such a way that future generations remember that no one is greater than the Constitution.” Morena – A serious case of caste-based assault, kidnapping, and public humiliation has come to light against 40-year-old Bharatlal Jatav, a resident of Jatawar village in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh. The victim has filed a First Information Report at the Civil Lines police station, accusing the accused of assault, abuse, caste-based insults, kidnapping, and threats to kill. The victim, Bharatlal Jatav, son of Bhikharam Jatav, stated in the report that he had a dispute with Bhura Gurjar and Sheru Gurjar, residents of Janakpur, during Diwali. Due to the same rivalry, on May 2nd, at around 3:45 pm, while returning from the bus stand to his village Jatawar in an e-rickshaw, a Swaraj tractor with a trolley stopped his rickshaw near Chambaldeep Hotel. The tractor driver refused to let him proceed, and Bhura Gurjar, Sheru Gurjar, and Surendra Gurjar got off the trolley and began assaulting him. According to the victim, the accused abused him, used derogatory terms for the Chamar caste, and said, “You behave very arrogantly.” When Bharatlal asked them to stop, the three slapped and punched him, beat him severely, and threw him into the tractor. Bhura Gurjar ordered the tractor driver to take him to Janakpur. The victim’s niece, Anjali, and nephew, Akash, were also present at the scene. Upon reaching Janakpur, Karua Gurjar, son of Surendra Gurjar, Mahendra Gurjar, and Dilip Gurjar joined in. They also hurled abuses at his mother and sister, hurled caste-related insults, and beat him with shoes. After this, the accused made a garland of shoes and placed it around the victim’s neck and paraded him around the village. A large crowd had gathered there during this time. The victim reported that when a police vehicle was seen approaching, Ballo Gurjar took out a pistol and placed it on his chest, threatening to kill him if he reported the matter to the police station. He suffered a bloody facial injury near his right eyebrow and sustained injuries elsewhere on his body. Strongly condemning the incident, Bhim Army leader Sunil Asteya said, “Just because he’s a Dalit, he was kidnapped, beaten with shoes, and made to wear a garland. The country has reached the moon, but Dalits still don’t have the right to walk on village streets like human beings. In Morena’s village of Jatawar, a man from the Jatav community was beaten in a trolley, then garlanded with shoes and paraded through the village. This isn’t an incident, but a slap in the face of the Constitution. Shame on the system that trumpets “equality” in every election, yet on the ground, Dalits are still treated worse than animals. It seems some casteist mindsets are still intoxicated with their upper caste status, not the law. It’s a good thing an FIR was filed, otherwise, the insults of Dalits are often swept under the rug under the guise of “compromise” in this country. Now, not just an FIR, but the accused should be arrested so that future generations remember that no one is greater than the Constitution.” The police have registered an FIR and begun investigating the case. The accused have been identified as Bhura Gurjar, Sheru Gurjar, Surendra Gurjar, Karua Gurjar, Mahendra Gurjar, Dilip Gurjar, and Ballo Gurjar, among others. The situation remains tense. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
A dispute in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, erupted over a demand for wheat in the name of a temple. A deadly attack on a Dalit family left several injured, including women.
The incident took place in the Maharajganj Civil Lines police station area. The dispute escalated over a demand for one quintal of wheat. The Azad Samaj Party demanded strict action. Bhopal. A serious incident has emerged from the Maharajganj Civil Lines police station area of Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. A dispute between two communities over a demand for wheat in the name of a temple escalated to a violent clash. It is alleged that some members of the Patel community forcibly demanded one quintal of wheat from poor families belonging to the Dalit Ahirwar community. When the affected families, citing their financial situation, offered only 50 kg of wheat, the dispute escalated and escalated into a physical altercation. It is reported that the Ahirwar community members clearly stated that they were unable to provide a quintal of wheat and could only provide 50 kg. Despite this, the accused refused to comply and continued to pressure them to provide one quintal. When the victim’s family persisted, it is alleged that members of the Patel community took an aggressive stance and attacked them with sticks and bricks. Both men and women were seriously injured in the attack, creating a tense atmosphere in the area. Those accused of assault include Shyam Patel, Ramswaroop Patel, Bhagwatdayal Patel, and Raja Bhaiya Patel. The victims include Kura Ahirwar, Chiddi Ahirwar, Sohan Ahirwar, Viru Ahirwar, Girija Ahirwar, and Kavita Ahirwar. The injured have reportedly been admitted to the hospital for treatment, where their condition is being monitored. According to the victims, when they demanded only 50 kg of wheat for the temple, citing their financial situation, the accused became abusive. The victims say the accused forcibly pressured them to give a quintal of wheat and, when they refused, allegedly began abusing them. The situation gradually became tense, and the matter escalated into a dispute. In the interview, the victims stated that when they protested against this indecent behavior and abuse, the accused began assaulting them. They were attacked with sticks and bricks, injuring several family members. According to the victims, women were also targeted and injured in the attack. Since the incident, the entire family has lived in fear and is demanding strict action against the accused. The incident has also sparked political backlash. Azad Samaj Party leader Sunil Astey tweeted on the matter, saying that a temple is a center of faith, but forcibly demanding grain from a poor Dalit farmer family in its name, and then attacking the entire family, especially the women, when they refused, is extremely shameful and condemnable. He said that this is not just a simple assault, but reflects a mentality of intimidation and oppression of the weaker sections. Speaking to The Muknayak, ASP leader Sunil Astey said that such illegal extortion and bullying in the name of religion is unacceptable under any circumstances. He demanded that the administration provide immediate security to the victim’s family, ensure proper treatment for the injured, and take strict legal action against all the accused. He also stated that hooliganism in the name of faith will not be tolerated in villages and that the law must be upheld. Currently, the police are investigating the case and are said to be taking action after considering all aspects of the incident. Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News
‘We’ve been farming for 30 years’: Dalit families in a Mathura village allege forced occupation of land near a temple
“We’ve been farming this land for years, but now some people are trying to forcibly take it away.” A land dispute near the Dauji Maharaj Temple in Aicha village, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked tension. Dalit families allege that people associated with a local religious figure are trying to forcibly occupy their agricultural land. Two Dalit families, including Kewal Singh and Suresh Chandra, have accused some people allegedly associated with Mahant Baba Shyam Das of trying to take over their land behind the temple. According to a Justice News report, one of the victims said, “We’ve been farming this land for years, but now some people are trying to forcibly take it away.” The families claim that the land is still registered in their names in government revenue records. “We’ve been farming this land for 30 years” According to the families and villagers, they’ve been farming the disputed land for nearly three decades. A family member said, “We’ve been in possession of this land for the last 30 years. This is our only source of livelihood.” He added that they are deeply troubled by this sudden dispute. Accusations against Mahant’s supporters Villagers alleged that some people are trying to take over the land by using the name of Mahant Baba Shyam Das. A local resident said, “Some anti-social elements are trying to grab the land by misleading the Mahant. This has created tension in the village.” Administration intervenes, orders status quo maintained Following complaints, revenue officials visited the site and measured the land. An official said, “Both parties have been instructed not to carry out any activity on the land for the time being. The status quo must be maintained until further orders.” Officials stated that a detailed report will be submitted to higher authorities before any final decision is made. Victims plead for justice, allege threats The victim families reported that they have contacted several officials, but have received no concrete relief so far. Kewal Singh alleged, “We have been running from office to office seeking justice, but no action has been taken so far. We are also receiving threats, and no one is listening to us.” Local residents have urged the administration to ensure a fair investigation and return the land to its rightful owners. Courtesy: Hindi News
Systematic Exclusion: Caste-based atrocities across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, MP, and UP
A spate of anti-Dalit incidents—from a youth killed over leftover food in Amreli to a suspicious death after an inter-caste relationship in Tamil Nadu, and social boycotts in Khargone—also includes temple bans and clashes over Dalit wedding processions The promise of Article 17, which abolished “untouchability” in all its forms, appears increasingly fragile when viewed through the lens of recent incidents across the geographical expanse of the nation. From Tamil Nadu to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh, these incidents are not mere statistical anomalies; they are symptomatic of a deeply entrenched “graded inequality” where the assertion of dignity by a Dalit—whether through love, religious participation, or the simple act of a wedding celebration is met with lethal force or social asphyxiation. The following report synthesises five harrowing accounts of caste-based hate, meticulously documenting how the intersection of social dominance, administrative apathy, and ritual purity continues to deny the Dalit community their fundamental right to life and liberty. Dalit youth found dead in Tamil Nadu after going missing; family alleges killing linked to inter-caste relationship Tamil Nadu (Pudukkottai) On April 21, in Nadupatti village of Kulathur taluk in Pudukkottai district, 20-year-old R. Hariharan, a Dalit youth, went missing after receiving a phone call. Two days later, on April 23, villagers grazing cattle near a forest area found a body floating in a water-filled quarry. The body was identified as Hariharan. Hariharan had been in a relationship with a 19-year-old girl belonging to a dominant caste. Around five months earlier, the couple had attempted to elope. Following this, both families were called to Keeranur police station, where a compromise was reached and the couple was separated. After the recovery of the body, Vellanur police registered a case under Section 194 of the BNSS on April 24, treating it as a suspicious death, based on a complaint filed by Hariharan’s father, P. Rajkumar (50). The family refused to accept the body and demanded that a murder case be registered. A post-mortem examination was conducted, and the body was handed over to the family on April 27. Hariharan’s father, P. Rajkumar, stated that “The murder was committed by the family members of the girl belonging to another caste, because Hariharan had a love affair with her” as The Mooknayak reported On April 25, the FIR was altered to include Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the BNS and Section 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act. The accused named in the FIR include the girl’s father Rajendran, her brother Shanmugasundaram, and another person, Krishnan. The case is currently being investigated by the Pudukkottai town Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Members of Dalit community asked to bring their own plates & water for temple Gujarat (Junagadh) On April 29, during the Pran Pratishta ceremony of a Ram temple in Bhutadi village of Visavadar taluk in Junagadh district, members of the Dalit community were invited to participate in the event. Approximately ten Dalit individuals were invited by the organising committee. However, the invitation included conditions requiring them to eat separately after others had finished and to bring their own plates and glasses. They were also told that “Bring your own plates and glasses from home… stay outside the temple premises during the core rituals” as reported by The Mooknayak Ajay Chatur Boricha, aged 25, filed an FIR at Visavadar police station regarding the conditions imposed. Following this, members of the Dalit community refused to attend the event. The planned mass feast in the village was cancelled, while the temple consecration ceremony proceeded as scheduled. Police registered a case against five individuals: Babu Uka Hapani, Narendra Bhanji Siroya, Ramnik Samji Sorathia, Atul Bhikha Siroya, and Phula Popat Siroya. The case was registered under relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the BNS, 2023. Newly married Dalit couple were allegedly denied entry in temple Madhya Pradesh (Khargone) On April 26, in Khargone district, a Dalit couple, Nirmal Kanade and his wife, attempted to enter a Hanuman temple to offer prayers. The temple was initially found locked. After police intervention, the couple was allowed entry. Following this, a panchayat consisting of members from the Banjara and Patel communities held a meeting. The panchayat declared a social boycott against the couple and two other Dalit families associated with them. According to the New Indian Express, The decision included a financial penalty. “The panchayat announced that anyone engaging with the three families or selling anything to them would have to pay a penalty of Rs 11,000” as reported Following the announcement, local shopkeepers stopped selling goods to the affected families. Nirmal Kanade shared a video describing the situation and seeking assistance. Police later intervened and stated that the matter had been resolved through discussions, and restrictions were lifted. “Now, Dalits will also take out wedding processions riding a buggy” remark against Dalit wedding procession Uttar Pradesh (Shahjahanpur) On April 20, in Lai Kheda village under Tilhar police station area in Shahjahanpur district, a wedding procession arrived from Bareilly at a Dalit household. During the procession, a local individual, Rajpal Yadav, made a remark that now Dalits will also take out wedding processions riding a buggy. Following this remark, an argument took place which escalated into a physical clash between groups. Police stated that two processions had reached the same location at the same time, contributing to the situation. An FIR was registered against Rajpal Yadav and four others under provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST Act. Two individuals were detained in connection with the incident, as reported. Dalit youth dies after assault at Amreli hospital canteen following dispute over leftover food and caste inquiry Gujarat (Amreli) On April 20, at Shantaba General Hospital in Amreli district, 24-year-old Mahesh Premji Rathore from Gopalgram village died after being assaulted. Mahesh had been at the hospital to care for his 70-year-old uncle. While eating at a free canteen, he felt unwell and threw away a portion of leftover food. The canteen operator, Bharat Acharya, demanded a fine of Rs