Supreme Court refuses stay on SC/ST order that prompted Bharat Bandh protest

The Supreme Court of India after hearing the review petition by the government has denied stay on the March 20 SC/ST verdict saying it will not put its earlier judgment in abeyance.

The court, while hearing the review petition by the government, also said that it is not against the Act.

"We are not against the Act, innocent should not be punished", the SC observed after listening to the submissions made by the Attorney General. The government, meanwhile, has defended itself in the court saying that they did not delay in filing for review.

The government had challenged the SC/ST Act changes and sought a stay on the Supreme Court order.

However, the Supreme Court has denied stay on the March 20 SC/ST verdict.

The Supreme Court said, "We keep the right of underprivileged community on high pedestal but can liberty of innocent people be taken away."

The court further clarified that compensation under SC/ST Act will be given to complainant immediately.

The court clarified that as far as offences under the IPC are concerned, no prior sanction is required for arrest.

Also read: Govt committed to protecting interests of SC/STs, says Rajnath ahead of review petition hearing