Demand for “the greater the number, the greater the share”: Reservation, caste census, reservation in promotions, and strict laws against mob lynching; Memorandum submitted to ADM
The Bhim Army Jai Bhim organization submitted a memorandum to the Additional Magistrate on Monday regarding various demands. The organization demanded the implementation of reservation in all pillars of democracy to improve the economic and social status of Dalit, backward, minority, and tribal communities. The memorandum was led by District President Kanchan Rao. District President Kanchan Rao stated that Constitution-maker Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar had established reservation for the upliftment of the exploited, oppressed, and deprived classes, but even after 75 years of independence, the conditions of these classes have not improved as expected. He said that Dalit, backward, minority, and tribal communities have still not fully integrated into the mainstream. Demand for Reservation in Government and Private Sectors In the memorandum, the organization demanded the implementation of reservation in government and private industries based on the principle of “the greater the number, the greater the share.” Demands were also raised to restore reservation in promotions and fill all backlog vacancies. Demand for Proportional Reservation in NEET, JEE, and UPSC In the field of education, the organization demanded reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities in competitive examinations like NEET, JEE, and UPSC, in proportion to their population. Furthermore, demands were made for the continuation of the “zero-balance” admission system in schools, colleges, and universities under Article 15 of the Constitution and for the full implementation of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. Demand for a Law to Prevent Mob Lynching The Bhim Army expressed concern over incidents of mob lynching against Dalits, Muslims, backward classes, minorities, and tribal communities. The organization demanded strict laws to prevent such incidents. The memorandum also included a demand for a CBI investigation into alleged false cases of cow slaughter and fake encounters. The organization also demanded that the cow be declared the national animal. Questions were also raised regarding the caste census and lateral entry. The organization demanded that the central and state governments conduct a caste census. They stated that this would reveal the actual population of various communities and ensure appropriate participation based on that. The organization also demanded a complete abolition of the lateral entry system into government services. Several organization officials and workers were present during the memorandum submission. Ankit Srivastava | Jaunpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit family in Amla threatened with eviction from village: Family files police complaint, case under investigation
A case of harassment and expulsion of a Dalit family from the village has come to light in Daulatpur village, within the Amla police station area of Bareilly. The victim’s family has accused the miscreants of breaking into their home, vandalizing it, and threatening to kill them. A named complaint was filed at the police station on Monday, demanding legal action. In the complaint filed with the police, the victim stated that a villager owns a farm behind his house, to which he has provided access. It is alleged that the accused now wants to take advantage of his helplessness and take over the house. On the afternoon of May 26th, the accused, along with his two sons, entered the victim’s house armed with sticks and rods. They hurled casteist slurs and threw out household items. The miscreants also threatened to kill the victim’s family if they did not vacate the house within a week. The victim has appealed to the police to ensure his safety and take appropriate legal action by filing a report against the accused. Aonla Inspector Binu Singh, providing information on the matter, stated that the police are investigating the case based on the complaint received. If found guilty in the investigation, appropriate action will be taken against the individuals involved as per the law. Pradeep Kumar | Aonla Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Karnataka has never had a Dalit CM so far’: Congress leader SR Patil
BENGALURU: Senior Congress leader SR Patil said it is natural for people from the “downtrodden and marginalised communities” to hope that someone from their fold becomes the Karnataka Chief Minister. Patil noted that Karnataka has never had a Dalit Chief Minister so far. He also said that Dalit leader G Parameshwara has been given due respect. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The downtrodden people are protesting. It is quite natural for anyone to aspire to become the Chief Minister. Karnataka has never had a Dalit Chief Minister so far. Therefore, it is natural for people from the downtrodden and marginalised communities to hope that someone from their community becomes the Chief Minister and to express that aspiration through protests. I do not agree with the view that G Parameshwara has not been given importance. He is a senior leader of the Congress party and has been given due respect and an appropriate position both in the party and in the government. I am very proud of the government. The government is functioning well, and I am proud of its achievements”.. Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar will meet the party high command in New Delhi on Monday to discuss cabinet berths and other key political developments, Congress sources stated. Earlier on Sunday, DK Shivakumar said that he does not know how many leaders will be inducted into his cabinet and will take oath with him on June 3. When asked if other leaders would be sworn in with him, he told reporters in Bengaluru, “I don’t know. Whatever the party high command decides will happen.” Shivakumar, after his three-year stint as the Deputy Chief Minister, is set to assume the office as the Karnataka CM. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for June 3 at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. DK Shivakumar formally submitted a letter to Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot informing him about his unanimous election as CLP leader. This came after the voluntary resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 28. The Governor dissolved the previous Council of Ministers immediately, but asked Siddaramaiah to continue until the new government is sworn in. Courtesy : Public TV English Note: This news is originally published on https:/publictvenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
The Dalit body on screen: Stereotypes, sacrifice, and subjugation in Hindi films
Despite centuries of reformist efforts, from Gandhi and Ambedkar to contemporary activists, the caste system remains deeply embedded in the Indian psyche. One of the primary reasons for this persistence is the religious sanction provided by Brahminical scriptures, which have shaped not only social structures but also cultural and artistic expressions. This long history of acceptance has nurtured a mindset that affects not just upper-caste Hindus but often leads to self-doubt among Dalits themselves. The oppression, therefore, is not merely material but deeply cultural. Consequently, Dalits have faced systematic exclusion from social spaces, property rights, and access to knowledge. Their identity, from a dominant perspective, is inseparably linked to their bodies, which are traditionally viewed as impure and untouchable. This prejudice has been so pervasive that meaningful Dalit participation in the Indian film industry has been notably absent, making cinema a powerful mirror of, and participant in, this cultural violence. In Indian cinema, the Dalit body has historically been presented in stark, stereotypical contrast to that of upper-caste Hindus. Male Dalits are frequently depicted as physically untidy, emotionally weak, intellectually hollow, and abhorrent due to their low birth. In a disturbing double standard, the young Dalit woman’s body is often represented as sexually attractive and desirable, positioning her as an object to be used and subjugated by the upper castes. While this pattern is common across most Indian-language films, the treatment of the Dalit body is not static; it has evolved according to socio-political developments and varies significantly based on whether the film is set in a rural or urban location. Franz Osten’s landmark film “Achhut Kanya” (1936) offers an early nuanced portrayal. Set in a village, it tells the tragic love story between Kasturi, a Dalit girl, and Pratap, a Brahmin boy. The film introduces stereotypical markers: Dalit males like Kasturi’s father Dukhiya are dark-skinned, lean yet healthy, and humble but not grovelling. However, Kasturi herself defies certain norms—she is fair, confident, argumentative, and unafraid. The film notably avoids themes of sexual exploitation; instead, it focuses on deep-rooted social segregation. Kasturi’s ultimate sacrifice—giving her life to save Pratap and her husband—elevates her to a martyr, building a memorial that proclaims she was “born untouchable but a goddess by deed.” This early work reflects the idealism of the freedom movement, influenced by Gandhi and Ambedkar, focusing more on tragic romance and moral purity than on gritty realities. Bimal Roy’s “Sujata” (1959) deepens this exploration by shifting the setting to an urban, middle-class environment. The film follows an untouchable girl adopted into a Brahmin family. Roy masterfully demonstrates that untouchability is a cultural construct, not a divine mandate. The adult Sujata becomes painfully conscious of her own body as a curse. When Adhir, the upper-caste man she loves, touches her, she recoils in terror—not only for herself but for the impurity she might bring upon him. Her body becomes a source of imposed guilt and degradation. Unlike the rural setting, her urban foster home provides some social security, yet the psychological tyranny remains. Roy contrasts Sujata’s quiet, introverted existence with the joyful life of her foster sister, Rama, showing how discrimination warps the self. In a powerful conclusion, Sujata donates blood to save her foster mother, proving the biological fallacy of caste purity. The film transcends reformist simplicity by showing that even the progressive Upendranath must gradually overcome his inner conditioning, while his wife never fully does. In the contemporary phase, Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan” (2001) introduces Kachra, an untouchable whose talent for leg-spin bowling becomes crucial for the village cricket team. However, his portrayal is deeply stereotypical: dark-skinned, untidy, submissive, and seemingly incapable of pleasure or contemplation. He is depicted as brute flesh suitable only for labour. Crucially, Kachra is “used” by the upper-caste villagers to achieve victory. He is noticed only when his talent proves useful, and while his teammates embrace him enthusiastically as wickets fall, he is conspicuously absent from the final victory celebration. The film raises an uncomfortable question: did the camaraderie reflect genuine change of heart or merely the smell of success? Gowariker’s “Swadesh” (2004) similarly fails to offer meaningful representation. Dalit characters like Birsa are shown as dark, dirty, and mentally incapable, reinforcing old stereotypes. The film’s neo-liberal, America-centric development model leaves no room to address the truth that even with economic empowerment, the Dalit body often remains untouchable to the twice-born society. Another Dalit character, Mela Ram, runs a roadside eatery and dreams of opening one on an American freeway—his confidence comes only from embracing the film’s prescribed entrepreneurial solution. Perhaps the most brutal contemporary depiction appears in Rajkumar Santoshi’s “Lajja” (2001). Here, Ramdulari, a Dalit midwife, is initially portrayed as bold, assertive, and confident. Her role as a dai—present at every birth in the village—gives her a sense of power. But this confidence shatters when her educated son falls in love with an upper-caste feudal lord’s daughter. Ramdulari is reduced to a helpless, doubly jeopardized body: a woman and a Dalit. As punishment for her son’s defiance, she is gang-raped and burned alive. This horrific sequence exposes the intersection of caste and gender, showing that no amount of personal confidence can protect a Dalit woman from the collective, violent assertion of upper-caste patriarchy. Beyond these films, other notable works have engaged with the issue. Shyam Benegal’s “Ankur” (1974) and “Manthan” (1976), Govind Nihalani’s “Aakrosh” (1980), Satyajit Ray’s “Sadgati” (1981), and Prakash Jha’s “Damul” (1985) all make serious attempts to expose the socio-economic and sexual exploitation of Dalits, particularly Dalit women. These art films interlink sexuality and gender with caste in ways that popular cinema often avoids. Yet, the divide between popular and art cinema has only widened since the mid-1970s. The great filmmaker-artists of the 1940s to 1960s—Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Bimal Roy, V. Shantaram, and Guru Dutt—produced works that balanced entertainment with aesthetic depth. In contrast, most contemporary mainstream directors are showmen with an eye on the ticket window. Ultimately, popular Hindi cinema has largely failed to move beyond melodramatic and instrumental
No SC status for Dalit Christians under existing constitutional framework, asserts BJP leader
Any claims suggesting otherwise are contrary to established legal provisions, says Devanand, accusing the YSRCP of attempting to incite Dalit Christians on the issue for political gain Individuals who have converted from Hinduism to other religions are not eligible for Scheduled Castes (SC) reservations under the existing constitutional framework, and Dalit Christians currently do not enjoy SC status in India, according to BJP State vice-president G. Devanand. The courts across the country had repeatedly clarified the legal position regarding SC reservations and the eligibility criteria prescribed under the Constitution, Mr. Devanand said in a statement on Sunday. “Any claims suggesting otherwise are contrary to established legal and constitutional provisions,” the BJP leader said. Criticising certain political parties for demanding SC status for Dalit Christians, Mr. Devanand alleged that such campaigns were misleading the public and creating unrealistic expectations among members of the community. He said it was inappropriate to encourage demands that run contrary to judicial pronouncements and constitutional provisions. The BJP leader specifically accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of attempting to incite Dalit Christians on the issue for political gain. He described the use of sensitive social issues for electoral purposes as irresponsible. Mr. Devanand stressed that respecting the Constitution and the judgments delivered by courts was the responsibility of every citizen, and urged the government to take appropriate action against those who were spreading misinformation and creating misunderstandings or tensions among different sections of society. He further stated that discussions and demands concerning reservation policies should be pursued only within the framework prescribed by the Constitution and the judiciary. Calling for social harmony, Mr. Devanand appealed to the public to remain vigilant against attempts that could disturb peace and communal amity in society. G.V.R. SUBBA RAO Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
VCK panel lauds Thirumavalavan for backing TVK, hails CM Vijay for inducting 8 Dalit minister
The committee also passed a resolution expressing appreciation to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for appointing eight Dalit ministers to key portfolios in the State Cabinet. CHENGALPATTU: The Chengalpattu district executive committee of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) passed a resolution congratulating party president Thol Thirumavalavan for extending support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form a government despite the party not securing a majority on its own. The committee also passed a resolution expressing appreciation to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for appointing eight Dalit ministers to key portfolios in the State Cabinet. The resolutions were adopted at the district executive committee meeting held at a private marriage hall near Singaperumal Koil on Saturday. The meeting, held under the direction of Thirumavalavan, was chaired by district secretary Kethu alias Thennavan. VCK headquarters secretary Thagadur Tamizhchelvan attended as a special invitee and addressed party functionaries. Another resolution urged party functionaries from the district to participate in large numbers in the VCK awards function and conference scheduled to be held in Chennai on June 14. The meeting further resolved to intensify publicity efforts for the conference through wall posters, banners and grassroots mobilisation, with a target of bringing more than 5,000 participants from the district. The district executive committee also urged the Tamil Nadu government to install a 125-foot statue of Dr BR Ambedkar in the State, similar to those established in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Courtesy : DT Next Note: This news is originally published on https:dtnext.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Telangana CM warns SIR could affect Dalits, Adivasis, and migrant workers’ voter registration
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has raised concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, set to begin in Telangana in June 2026. He highlighted potential risks for vulnerable groups, particularly Dalits, Minorities, Adivasis, Tribals, and migrant workers, whose names might be removed during the revision process. During a Congress Political Affairs Committee meeting, the Chief Minister cautioned that the SIR could pose significant challenges for Lambada, Adivasi, and migrant workers. He said, “In several constituencies, a significant number of people have migrated elsewhere. The possibility of the omission of votes of Dalits, minorities, and women was also not ruled out in the SIR.” Conversely, Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao stated that the SIR has no political motives and is a routine task carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Speaking to ANI, he explained that the objective of the SIR is to improve the accuracy of voter rolls by removing discrepancies, similar to exercises conducted in West Bengal and other states. He added, “Like in Bengal and other places, where the fake voters and illegal immigrants are there, they will be deleted. And what Bengal has done, or what the SIR has done, is detect, delete, and deport. So this is what a voter list has to see–whether the voter list contains the real names, whether there are any fake voters in there, whether there are any dead voters, or whether there are any transferred and shifted voters. So SIR has no political overtones in it. It is a regular exercise done by the Election Commission of India.” The Telangana Congress has called for the SIR process to be conducted with transparency. A delegation of state Congress leaders has met with the State Chief Electoral Officer, urging that the revision be carried out transparently and extended over a sufficient period, noting no major elections are scheduled in the state. On May 14, 2026, the Election Commission of India announced the Phase-III Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 16 States and three Union Territories, covering over 360 million electors, including Telangana. The Commission said the revision would be coordinated with the ongoing house listing component of the Census to ensure efficient use of resources. For Telangana and Punjab, the qualifying date is October 1, 2026. The schedule includes a preparation phase from June 15 to June 24, 2026; Booth Level Officer visits from June 25 to July 24, 2026; and rationalisation completed by July 24, 2026. The draft electoral roll will be published on July 31, 2026, with claims and objections open between July 31 and August 30, 2026. The notice phase and disposal will continue from July 31 to September 28, 2026, and the final roll will be published on October 1, 2026. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsmill.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
YSRCP MP urges Justice Balakrishnan Commission to grant SC status to Dalit Christians
The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has written to the Chairperson of the Justice Balakrishnan Commission requesting the inclusion of Dalit Christians under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, to secure constitutional equality, social justice, and statutory protection. A YSRCP delegation led by Gurumoorthy met the commission’s Chairperson in New Delhi on Saturday, submitting a representation that seeks to extend Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians. In the letter, Gurumoorthy stated, “I most respectfully submit this representation before the Hon’ble Justice Balakrishnan Commission seeking inclusion of Christians of Scheduled Caste origin within the ambit of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, in furtherance of the constitutional principles of equality, secularism, social justice, and substantive non-discrimination.” The MP cited a unanimous resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 24, 2023, in which former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSR Congress Party acknowledged that Dalit Christians remain socially and economically backward, and recommended their inclusion in the Scheduled Castes list. Gurumoorthy wrote, “It is pertinent to submit that the former Chief Minister, Shri Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, on behalf of the YSR Congress Party, through a unanimous resolution adopted by the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on 24 March 2023, categorically resolved that Dalit Christians continue to remain socially, educationally, and economically backward to the same extent as Scheduled Castes professing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, and accordingly supported their inclusion in the Scheduled Castes list.” He alleged that Dalit Christians face social, educational, and economic disadvantages similar to other Scheduled Castes despite exclusion based on religion. He noted that conversion to Christianity does not erase caste identity or the historical discrimination experienced by the community. Gurumoorthy argued, “The continued exclusion of Dalit Christians constitutes an arbitrary religion-based classification lacking any rational nexus with the constitutional object of protective discrimination. Conversion to Christianity has neither extinguished caste identity nor eliminated the historical and continuing social disabilities attached to their caste origin. Despite exercising freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution, Dalit Christians continue to face caste-based exclusion, social segregation, economic deprivation, and institutional discrimination.” He further stated that this exclusion undermines the constitutional mandate under Article 46, which obliges the State to protect weaker sections from social injustice and exploitation. He claimed that Dalit Christians suffer caste-based disadvantages identical to other Scheduled Castes but remain outside the scope of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, resulting in a legal and statutory gap. Gurumoorthy asserted, “The present legal position also frustrates the constitutional vision under Article 46, which obligates the State to protect weaker sections from social injustice and exploitation. Despite suffering identical caste-based vulnerabilities, Dalit Christians remain excluded from protection under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 solely on account of religion, thereby creating a serious constitutional and statutory vacuum.” The MP emphasised that Article 341(2) empowers Parliament to include communities in the Scheduled Castes list, and urged that this authority be exercised in accordance with current social realities and constitutional principles. He concluded, “It is respectfully submitted that Article 341(2) expressly empowers Parliament to include communities within the Scheduled Castes list by law. The constitutional power vested therein must now be exercised in consonance with contemporary social realities and constitutional morality.” Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsmill.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
5,423 SC/ST Act cases in Madhya Pradesh have been pending for more than five years, with the highest pendency in these districts.
The Directorate of Public Prosecution has issued strict instructions, and a special drive will be launched to resolve old cases. Bhopal. The pending status of cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in Madhya Pradesh is becoming a matter of concern. A total of 5,423 cases related to this Act have been pending in various courts across the state for more than five years. The highest number of pending cases is registered in Jabalpur district, where 909 cases have been awaiting justice for years. Followed by Sagar with 842 cases and Rewa with 417 cases. These figures highlight the slow pace of the judicial process and the lack of timely justice for victims. In light of the ever-increasing pendency, the Madhya Pradesh government and the Public Prosecution Department have become active. Recently, the Directorate of Public Prosecution, Bhopal, issued instructions to all district prosecution officers to expedite the disposal of old cases on a priority basis. Hundreds of cases pending for years in many districts According to state data, in addition to Jabalpur, Sagar, and Rewa, districts like Chhatarpur, Gwalior, Guna, Morena, and Ujjain also have a large number of cases pending in courts for years. In these districts, victims have been waiting for justice for a long time. On the other hand, the situation appears relatively better in some districts. In Katni, Tikamgarh, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dindori, and Dhar districts, the number of cases pending for more than five years is reported to be less than five. In Narmadapuram, Khandwa, and Harda, only one case each is pending for more than five years. The data on pending cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in Madhya Pradesh reflects the increasing burden on the judicial system. The highest number of 909 cases are pending in Jabalpur, followed by 842 in Sagar, 417 in Rewa, 390 in Chhatarpur and 383 in Gwalior. Besides, 303 cases are pending in Guna, 247 in Morena, 234 in Ujjain, 212 in Shivpuri, 200 in Damoh, 167 in Vidisha, 143 in Chhindwara, 112 in Dewas, 85 in Shahdol, and 81 each in Indore and Raisen. On the other hand, 77 cases are pending in Ashoknagar, 71 in Balaghat, 69 each in Bhopal and Umaria, 62 each in Khargone and Seoni, 33 in Panna, 28 in Satna, 24 in Ratlam, 21 in Bhind, 19 in Mandla, 15 in Agar, 11 in Shajapur and 10 each in Betul and Singrauli. The least number of pending cases have been registered in Sidhi district, where only 9 cases are pending. There are 9 districts where less than five cases are pending for more than five years. Four cases in Katni, two each in Tikamgarh, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dindori and Dhar and one each in Narmadapuram, Khandwa and Harda have been reported to be pending for more than five years. Most notably, in eight districts of the state: Alirajpur, Anuppur, Barwani, Burhanpur, Datia, Jhabua, Sehore, and Sheopur, not a single case related to the SC/ST Act is pending for more than five years. This is believed to be the result of improved coordination at the judicial and prosecution levels. Special drive to begin for old cases Following directives issued by the Directorate of Public Prosecution, a special campaign will now be launched across the state to resolve old pending cases. Prosecution department officials have been instructed to regularly monitor such cases and make efforts to expedite the trial process in the courts. Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring the timely appearance of witnesses, providing necessary documents, completing pending evidence, and effective advocacy in the courts. In cases where legally feasible, efforts may also be made towards peaceful resolution and settlement with the consent of both parties. Questions are being raised about the slow pace of the judicial process. Cases filed under the SC/ST Act fall under the category of serious crimes involving social discrimination, violence, and harassment. The delay in delivering verdicts in such cases for years raises questions about the constitutional rights of victims and the justice system. Social organizations and rights activists say that many victim families face mental, financial, and social pressure due to the lengthy judicial process. Experts believe that to expedite these cases, there is a need to increase the number of special courts, fix accountability of prosecuting officers, and ensure timely trials. Strengthening witness protection and digital case monitoring systems is also considered essential. Speaking to The Mooknayak, Pradeep Ahirwar, former member of the State Scheduled Caste Commission and State President of the SC Congress, said that the years-long pendency of SC/ST Atrocities Prevention Act cases is extremely worrying. He said that victims from Dalit and tribal communities approach the courts with the hope of justice, but the long pending cases undermine their trust in the justice system. Ahirwar alleged that the government and administration are not serious about resolving these cases quickly, despite the law’s provision for special courts and speedy trials. He demanded that a special campaign be launched to expedite the pending cases and ensure timely justice for victims. Action will be monitored by the government. According to sources, old cases will now be reviewed regularly at the district level. The prosecution department will prepare a list of pending cases in the courts and prioritize them for hearing. The government’s goal is to expedite the disposal of cases pending for years, ensuring timely justice for victims. Speaking to The Mooknayak, legal expert and advocate Mayank Singh said that the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is an important law related to social justice, aimed at protecting Dalit and tribal communities from oppression and discrimination. He said that the long-standing pendency of cases under this Act is a serious concern for the justice system, as “justice delayed is justice denied.” Mayank Singh said that reducing the backlog will not be possible without the appointment of adequate judges in special courts, regular hearings, and an effective investigation system. What is the SC/ST Act? The Scheduled
Three minors among eight held for attack spree in Nellai, Tenkasi
On Friday evening, the same gang, with some different members, carried out its third attack at Mathakovil street in Nettur village where Dalit Christians reside. TENKASI/TIRUNELVELI: In a joint operation, Tenkasi and Tirunelveli police on Saturday apprehended eight persons, including three juveniles, in connection with a two-day sickle-attack spree which left 10 people — most of them Dalits — injured in four villages across the two districts. Police are searching for five more suspects. The attacks began on Thursday in Brahmadesam village under Ambasamudram limits in Tirunelveli district when a gang of youngsters on two-wheelers attacked Manikandan, a 29-year-old SC man, injuring his left hand, police sources said. “The gang had attempted to extort money from Manikandan. Then they visited a sculpture workshop belonging to one Selva Ganesan at Vaagaikulam village with the intention of getting money from him. Unable to find him, they left the area, inflicting minor injuries on a pedestrian on their way,” sources said. On Friday evening, the same gang, with some different members, carried out its third attack at Mathakovil street in Nettur village where Dalit Christians reside. Suspects not revealed, Dalits threaten to strike Sources said nine youngsters, with their faces covered, attacked six persons, most of whom are Dalit Christians, with sickles. After the attack in Nettur that falls under Tenkasi’s Alangulam police limits, the gang attempted to escape via Therkupatti under Manur police limits in Tirunelveli. When two passersby, identified as Mubarak (30) and Abdul Rahman (36), questioned their reckless driving, the gang injured the duo. Police said three different FIRs were filed against the gang in connection with the four attacks. “During the search carried out by Tirunelveli and Tenkasi police, eight suspects were arrested. Search is on to nab remaining accused,” police sources added. Meanwhile, Dalit women from Nettur were upset that the police had not revealed the identity of the suspects and threatened to resume their blockade of the Alangulam-Reddiarpatti Road. They had withdrawn the protest on Friday night after police promised action. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss condemned the attacks, while TMMK leader John Pandian visited the village and consoled the victims’ families. 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