The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 will come into effect from tomorrow.
The Act has more stringent provisions for prevention of atrocities against SCs and STs.
President Pranab Mukherjee had given his assent to the bill on December 31 last year which was notified on January 1.
The key features of the amended law include new offences like tonsuring of head, or similar acts which are derogatory to the dignity of SCs and STs, garlanding with chappals, using or permitting manual scavenging, abusing in caste name, imposing social or economic boycott.
Exclusive Special Courts will be established for the expeditious disposal of cases.
The law also defines willful negligence and dereliction of duty of public servants at all levels.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app