‘Do not dilute SC/ST Act’

Around 100 members of the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front protested against the alleged dilution of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, by shouting slogans, here on Tuesday.

They gathered outside the Holy Redeemer’s Church and marched for a brief distance before 40 people, including 12 women, were arrested by the police. Members from the Adi Tamilar Katchi, Adi Tamilar Peravai, Tamil Puligal Katchi, Makkal Viduthalai Meetpu Iyakkam, Democratic Youth Federation of India, Students' Federation of India and some others appealed to the Supreme Court to reconsider its verdict.

T. Chellakannu, district secretary of the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, said the modifications would lead to further atrocities against Dalits.

“The verdict states that public servants should not be arrested under the Act without the permission of their appointing authority. This would mean that there would be a delay in the procedure,” he said.