SC/ST Act: Supreme Court Amends Its 2018 Verdict

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday recalled its direction in the March 20, 2018 verdict which had virtually diluted provisions of arrest under the SC/ST Act.

A bench of justices Arun Mishra, M R Shah and B R Gavai, said the struggle of SC/ST people for equality is still not over, and they still face untouchability, abuse and are socially outcast.

The apex court further said the Constitution provides for the protection of SC/ST people under Article 15, but they still face social abuse and discrimination.

Dealing with the misuse of provisions of the SC/ST Act and lodging of false cases, the bench said it is not due to the caste system but due to human failure.

The directions passed on the provision of arrest and conducting a preliminary probe before any case is lodged is uncalled for, and the court should not have exercised its plenary powers, said the bench.

It further said the directions were impermissible under the Constitution.